Punch, the baby Japanese macaque who went viral after being rejected by his mother and clinging to a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort, is now at the centre of new online attention due to his apparent bond with a female macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. Clips shared across social media platforms show the pair spending time together, cuddling, playing, and exchanging gentle gestures, prompting widespread affectionate reactions from viewers.

Punch’s Journey from Rejection to Companionship

Punch was rejected by his mother soon after birth at the zoo. He gained global fame when he began relying on a plush orangutan toy bought from IKEA, which he named Ora-mama, as a source of comfort during a difficult early period that included bullying from dominant monkeys. Over time, he adapted to the social dynamics of the troop and started forming connections.

Punch-Kun’s New Bond with a Female Macaque

According to videos circulating online, Punch has developed a close friendship with a female macaque who is a little older than him. The clips show the two monkeys staying close, playing together, and displaying affectionate actions that many people have interpreted as romantic, leading to her being referred to as Punch’s “girlfriend” in captions and comments. One popular video caption noted that they spend all their time together and are inseparable.
Watch the viral video here:

Internet Reactions to the Viral Clips

The videos have sparked a wave of positive and humorous responses on social media. One user joked, “Punch found a girlfriend, and you’re still single.” Another commented, “She is only with him because he is famous.” A third wrote, “She’s got great taste. He’s the whole package: handsome, resilient, resourceful, capable of attachment to caretaker and comforting monkey and now gorgeous female. I hope he doesn’t break her heart. He’s obviously very attractive to all!”