Who is Punch? The abandoned baby macaque seen hugging a stuffed toy

A baby macaque at a Japanese zoo has captured global attention after forming a heartwarming bond with a stuffed orangutan toy. Known as Punch-kun, the seven-month-old monkey has won the affection of social media users, who have been sharing videos of him clinging to the plush toy for comfort and security.

Born on 26 July 2025, Punch faced a difficult start to life after being abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Raised initially by caretakers at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, he struggled to integrate with the rest of the monkey troop.

Maternal abandonment

Punch weighed just 500 grams at birth, and his mother, reportedly inexperienced as a first-time parent, failed to care for him. According to Mainichi Shimbun, maternal abandonment can occasionally occur among monkeys new to parenting. Zookeepers immediately stepped in, taking on the role of surrogate parents to ensure his survival.

Despite human care, Punch had difficulty bonding with the other monkeys. Videos circulated online showed him being bullied by older macaques–chased, thrown, and repeatedly rejected by the troop. The visuals of his struggles drew widespread sympathy from viewers worldwide.

Plush orangutan as companion

To help him cope with loneliness and anxiety, zookeepers introduced Punch to a large stuffed orangutan. He quickly began treating the plush toy as a surrogate mother, clinging to it whenever other monkeys bullied him. “He’s just a baby. Look at that sweet little guy. He looks so lonely,” wrote one social media user sharing his story.

The emotional footage of Punch hugging the toy, hiding in its lap, and seeking comfort from his human caretakers spread rapidly online, making him a viral sensation.

Recent videos suggest a positive turn in Punch’s life. He has reportedly been accepted by a surrogate monkey mother and is now sharing space comfortably with other members of the troop. However, challenges remain, as some older monkeys continue to bully him. According to the portal Pubity, “Despite viral monkey Punch finally making some friends, he's still getting bullied by other monkeys at the zoo. Punch is really struggling to fit in with other monkeys and clings to humans whenever they come into the enclosure.”

Punch’s story has not only captured hearts online but also boosted local interest in the zoo. Social media posts show long lines of visitors eager to see the tiny macaque and his beloved stuffed orangutan.