Meet Punch, the Viral Monkey and the plush monkey that followed him
Punch, a baby monkey at a Japanese zoo, has gone viral after repeatedly clutching a large plush orangutan given to him by keepers; the image of the monkey gripping the toy has driven a sharp rise in demand for the specific plush. That surge is visible in both online listings and retail sales, with measurable increases in listings and recent spikes in purchases.
Monkey's plush triggers buying frenzy
The plush in question, sold under the name Djungelskog, has seen a rapid uptick in visibility and transactions. Listings for the toy increased by 650% between January and February, and resale prices during that period ranged from about $33 to $175. In retail channels, sales of Djungelskog rose more than 200% in the past week, with more than 990 units purchased across Australian stores and online. Retail locations moved quickly to restock as global attention built around Punch's story.
Why the monkey clings to a plush
Punch is described as a baby monkey in a Japanese zoo who has not been embraced by his peers. Zookeepers provided the Djungelskog plush, which Punch grips tightly "like a life raft. " Observers note that without the toy he would be alone, spending his days avoiding being dragged and chased by older Japanese macaques inside his enclosure. The imagery of Punch holding the soft toy has been central to the viral interest.
Store shortages and customer reactions
Interest translated into immediate retail pressure. A shopper who traveled to collect a Djungelskog found the toy sold out and was told it would be back in stock the following day. Returning early the next morning, the shopper received a Djungelskog from a store employee who had been fielding high demand; staff remarked on how many people were buying the toy after seeing Punch. Some stores reported sell-outs and brisk call-outs to other locations to fulfill orders.
What this means for ongoing demand
The observable indicators — a 650% surge in listings, a broad resale price range, and a more than 200% lift in recent retail sales with nearly 1, 000 units moved in Australia alone — point to a clear short-term spike in consumer demand tied to viral attention. If global attention continues to build around Punch's story, demand for the Djungelskog plush may remain elevated until restocking catches up with interest. Retailers facing persistent sellouts may respond by reallocating inventory or prioritizing replenishment to meet the unexpected surge.
Key takeaways
- Punch, a baby monkey at a Japanese zoo, has become a viral image thanks to his attachment to a Djungelskog plush.
- Listings rose 650% between January and February; resale prices ranged from $33 to $175.
- Retail sales jumped more than 200% in the past week, with over 990 units bought across Australian channels.
