Good News! Punch, The Viral Monkey, Has Found New Friends. Internet Says, ‘The World Loves You’

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 13:52 IST

“Punch, maybe you don’t know, but many people from around the world love you, and we’re watching over you,” said a social media user.

Punch was abandoned by its mother after birth. (Photo Credit: Instagram/annie_zzz_)

Punch the Monkey has found some new friends! After the viral story of the penguin in Antarctica, which deliberately chose loneliness over being with its group, another heartwarming animal moment has captured the attention of the world. This time, it is a baby monkey that went viral for clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy after being abandoned by its mother after birth in July 2025.

The baby macaque, named Punch-kun, became a sensation when videos of him carrying a plush orangutan toy around his enclosure at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan went viral. After his story surfaced online, hundreds, if not thousands, flocked to the zoo to check up on the seven-month-old monkey. On Instagram, one visitor shared her experience and gave an update on his current situation.

She disclosed that she lived just two hours away, which is why she decided to go there on Sunday, February 22. In the clip, Punch was seen coming out with his usual companion. Yes, the orange orangutan stuffed toy. It was seen playing with it, carrying it around and sitting on it as well. But the highlight of the video was the few moments when he played and teased other monkeys.

Punch Was Seen Playing With Its New Friends

Although Punch faced some bullying by a few big monkeys, he made friends with other baby monkeys. In the video, Punch played with another monkey, who seemed slightly older. They sat by the flowing water, teased each other while playing and even sat together in a few moments of silence. Later, when zookeepers came to feed the group, Punch even climbed on the leg of one of them and kept clinging to him.

“Today I watched Punch-kun for quite a while, and even though he is by himself a lot he seems to be making friends and slowly integrating into the group. Not much bullying to see, so hopefully he keeps getting stronger and stronger. Of course, he still carries around his plushie, but sometimes he leaves it on the other side of the enclosure while playing around and looking for wooden sticks,” a part of the caption read.

Internet Reacts To Punch’s New Friends

Taking to the comments section, one user said, “Punch, maybe you don’t know, but many people from around the world love you, and we’re watching over you, Punch… FIGHTING.”

“Thanks for going to see him! This video makes me feel a little better about his well-being,” said another person.

A different individual shared, “It’s so beautiful to see so many people care so much for Punch. I hope it makes you realise that all animals are the same. They have the same soul as your pet dog or pet cat. I wish everyone cared for all animals the same!”

FYI, Punch-kun’s mother reportedly rejected him either due to inexperience or stress caused by the summer heat. In the wild, a strong bond between a baby monkey and its mother is vital for warmth, safety, and emotional well-being. Without that bond, babies can struggle to adjust. Thus, to help the baby monkey cope, the zoo’s caretakers offered alternatives, and Punch chose the orange orangutan toy.

Read More