The abandoned monkey and his plushie are melting hearts worldwide
Punch-kun, a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, became an internet star for his bond with an orangutan plush. There are many other zoo animals that became internet sensations
The internet has a new animal star: Punch-kun, a baby macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan.
Born in July 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother soon after birth and struggled to socialize with his troop. To help him cope, caretakers gave him a large orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort object – and he immediately formed a deep attachment.
Images and videos of Punch carrying his plush everywhere went viral, sparking global sympathy and long lines of visitors hoping to see him in person.
Social media users shared Punch’s journey, cheering on signs that he’s gradually bonding with other macaques while still cherishing his soft companion – a story that highlights both animals’ emotional depth and the kindness of zoo staff.
Other zoo animals that went viral
1. Moo Deng – The pygmy hippo phenomenon
In 2024, Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, became a global internet favorite.
Born just weeks before going viral, her expressive face, shiny skin and playful videos won millions of fans online and turned her into one of the year’s most beloved animal stars.
2. Pesto – The big baby penguin
At the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Pesto the king penguin chick stole hearts when photos and clips of his unusually large size and fluffy feathers spread on social platforms.
His gentle, charismatic presence made him a hit with animal lovers worldwide.
3. Siku – The orphaned polar bear
Years before Punch’s rise, Siku the polar bear captured global attention after a video of him as a tiny cub was posted online.
Rescued and hand-raised at the Skandinavisk Dyrepark in Denmark, his adorable antics earned him celebrity status reminiscent of the famous Berlin polar bear Knut.
4. Biscuits and Luna – Marine rescue stars
Several rescued marine mammals have also become viral favorites.
Biscuits, a playful baby seal with big round eyes, charmed millions on TikTok.
Luna, a tiny sea otter pup found abandoned, touched hearts with her early survival and care journey shared online.
5. Grape-kun – The Penguin and the anime cutout
Not all stories are recent – Grape-kun, a Humboldt penguin in Japan, once became an internet legend for his unusual attachment to a life-size anime character cutout placed in his enclosure.
His gentle focus on the illustration captured fans around the world and made him a memorable viral figure.
6. Mole – The sloth with his teddy
Another adorable viral animal is Mole, an orphaned sloth from a Costa Rican rescue center who clings to his favorite teddy bear.
Videos of his slow, sweet movements and teddy-cling quickly spread on social media, making him a symbol of gentle resilience.
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