When Punch was abandoned at birth, a stuffed orangutan became his constant companion, turning the tiny macaque into an unlikely social media star. And now, something has started to change at Ichikawa City Zoo.

Punch-kun, affectionately known as Punch, was born July 26, 2025, at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo – and from the very beginning, his journey was anything but easy.

Shortly after he was born, his mother rejected him, leaving keepers to step in and provide constant care.

For Japanese macaques – also known as snow monkeys – the maternal bond is especially significant. The species is known for its deep emotional dependency on mothers, often clinging to them for months while learning to climb, forage, and socialize. Even after gaining independence, young macaques remain emotionally attached for years, Asia for Animals Coalition (AFA) explains.

Without that early bond, Punch’s path has been uniquely challenging.

Punch’s stuffy

To comfort him, zoo staff introduced soft enrichment items into his space. Almost immediately, Punch formed a strong attachment to a plush orangutan from IKEA – he sleeps with it, eats with it and plays with it. Photos and videos of the baby macaque cuddling the stuffed animal quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and bringing surging crowds to the zoo.

But along with the attention came concern.

Social correction

In mid-February, a video circulated online showing Punch being dragged by an adult monkey inside his habitat. Afterwards, the little guy ran to his stuffed monkey for comfort, cuddling it tightly before dragging it to a place where he felt safe.

The footage alarmed many fans, with some interpreting the interaction as bullying.

The zoo says it is something else entirely.

“In order to integrate Punch into other Japanese monkey troops, we anticipated that this kind of challenge may arise,” the zoo said, according to People.

Caretakers explained that what may appear harsh to human viewers can be part of normal social correction within a macaque troop. They also emphasized Punch’s resilience during the process.

“While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength,” the zoo said. “When you observe these disciplinary behaviors…we would like you to support Punch’s effort rather than feel sorry for him.”

‘Playing with the other baby monkeys’

In a Feb. 23 update shared on X, Ichikawa City Zoo reported encouraging progress. Staff observed Punch – who had bonded with an older macaque – playing with other baby monkeys and eating independently without relying on a keeper.

“From what I could see, there were no scenes of him being scolded, and he was observed playing with the other baby monkeys. During mealtime, he came down from the keeper’s foot on his own and started eating by himself,” the zoo wrote of the adorable primate who clings to the keeper when he enters the enclosure. “He continues to do well!”

Punch’s hair loss

Officials also responded to broader concerns about the “monkey mountain” habitat and overall welfare conditions.

“Animal welfare is the top priority in the current environment, and we are doing our best to improve the monkeys’ living conditions,” officials at the animal park said, adding that making a “radical change” “may lead to Punch being bullied.”

“For this reason, we would like to prioritize Punch becoming a member of the troop safely while improving the monkeys’ health conditions as much as possible,” the spokesperson said.

Keepers also explained that four indoor rooms remain open behind the scenes, providing private spaces away from visitors. Punch uses these areas when he needs time alone. Staff also pointed to enrichment efforts, including trees that have become popular climbing and play structures for the younger monkeys.

And for the people concerned about Punch’s apparent hair loss, the zoo explained that in the winter months, macaques “spend more time grooming, which leads to further alopecia.”

Punch ‘confidently playing’

On Feb. 26, the zoo shared a huge milestone – one that showed just how much Punch is growing. The once clingy infant, rarely seen without his beloved stuffed orangutan, was oddly walking upright, and confidently playing with the other young monkeys on his own.

“He played with the other young monkeys without using his stuffed toy,” the zoo stated in a Feb. 26 post.

Next, zookeepers addressed additional questions after some viewers wondered whether Punch’s left arm was injured: “We received concerned comments about his left arm, like ‘Is he injured?’ but just to be sure, we had the vet check him out, and there’s no abnormality – he’s spending his time energetically as usual.”

IKEA cashes in

As Punch continues adjusting to life within the troop, supporters around the world are still following his journey closely – and their enthusiasm has had ripple effects beyond the zoo.

Following his surge in popularity, IKEA Japan donated dozens of stuffed animals to Ichikawa City Zoo, including its Djungelskog orangutan – the same plush companion Punch famously cuddles.

Fans around the world quickly rushed to get their own, and by Feb. 25, the toy was sold out on IKEA’s website, and is now fetching up to $150 on eBay.

For a baby monkey who began life without his mother, Punch has not only found his footing among his primate peers – he’s also managed to win over the internet, one cuddle at a time.

Hopefully Punch continues to connect with his troop so he can live a long, happy life! Please let us know what you think about this sweet little monkey and then share this story with your friends so we can also hear from them!