Punch Monkey
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Story of the viral Punch monkey
Punch, a baby Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, captured global attention after his mother rejected him shortly after birth. Zoo keepers gave him an IKEA orangutan plush toy for comfort, which he clung to tightly, sleeping with it and carrying it everywhere, leading to viral videos on TikTok, Instagram, and X.
Punch’s Early Struggles
Punch faced rejection from his mother and initial shunning by other monkeys in his troop. The plush became his surrogate “Oran-Mama,” mimicking the maternal clinging typical of young macaques, which deeply resonated with viewers evoking human childhood attachments.
Viral Phenomenon
Videos of Punch hugging the toy amassed millions of views, sparking memes, emotional reactions, and a surge in zoo visitors. Fans nicknamed the toy and saw reflections of their own comforting childhood objects in his story.
IKEA’s Response and Toy Craze
IKEA donated more plush toys to the zoo after noticing the buzz, ensuring Punch and others had companions. The $19.99 toy sold out worldwide, with resellers charging up to $300.
Positive Updates
Recent footage shows Punch bonding with peers—receiving grooming and affection from older monkeys—indicating healthy social progress, though he still favors his plush.
