Hyderabad: Punch, a baby Japanese macaque, became a global sensation after his story went viral. Born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Left alone, Punch felt scared and sad. But zookeepers at the zoo stepped in to help. They gave him a special orangutan plush toy, which Punch quickly grew to love. He would carry it with him everywhere for comfort.

Reject at birth, Punch, Ichikawa City Zoo pic.twitter.com/KioGmShp0f

— Ink Blot (@inkblotistan) February 19, 2026

Punch’s Tough Start

When Punch was introduced to the other monkeys at the zoo, he didn’t fit in. The other macaques ignored him or bullied him. Punch tried to make friends, but it wasn’t easy. Feeling lonely and sad, he turned to his plush orangutan, which became his source of comfort. He would hug it when he felt scared or alone. Videos of Punch holding his plush toy went viral, and people from around the world started to feel for him.

More information about Punch, the baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.

He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and has been hand‑raised by zookeepers.

They gave him a plush orangutan toy, which he carries everywhere, hugging it while he sleeps, using it for… pic.twitter.com/qn1fO7Wu1n

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 14, 2026

A Heartwarming Change

Finally, in February 2026, things started to change for Punch. He was finally accepted by the other monkeys. In a touching video, an adult monkey named Onsing embraced Punch, showing him kindness. The adult monkey even groomed Punch, which is a way monkeys build friendships and trust. Fans around the world were overjoyed to see Punch finding his place in the troop, and many shared their happiness online.

After enduring days of rejection, Baby Punch finally experienced the comfort of love. Today, the adult monkey Onsing drew little Punch into a firm, deeply reassuring embrace. pic.twitter.com/SnCdsDZ5kl

— ✮ راينر براون (@dondawastaken) February 20, 2026

IKEA’s Special Gift

As Punch’s story became more famous, even Ikea joined in to help. The company donated several orangutan plush toys to the zoo so Punch would always have a friend. Fans started calling the plush toy “Oran-Mama,” and it became a symbol of Punch’s journey toward happiness. IKEA’s kindness made people smile and showed that even big companies cared about Punch.

View this post on Instagram

Punch, the baby monkey who went viral for clinging to a plush toy after being abandoned by his mother, was visited by IKEA Japan’s president.

During the visit, IKEA donated multiple replacement DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plushies, affectionately nicknamed “Oran Mama” by fans, to… pic.twitter.com/nPRGDbYxou

— Complex (@Complex) February 19, 2026

The World Loves Punch

Punch’s story touched hearts everywhere. People all over the world shared their support on social media with the hashtag #HangInTherePunch. Punch’s journey from loneliness to love reminded everyone of the importance of compassion and friendship. His story isn’t just about a baby monkey and a toy; it’s about how kindness can change lives.