A tiny Japanese macaque is making internet cry after videos of him clinging to a plush toy after being rejected by his mother went viral. Punch was born in July 2025 and weighed only 500 gms
The baby monkey, named Punch was born at Ichikawa City Zoo in the middle of summer and immediately faced an uncertain start to life. He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and the zoo-keepers had to step in to care for him. First, they tried giving him rolled-over towels for warmth.
Then, they gave him a plush orangutan toy which now he carries it everywhere, hugging it while he sleeps, using it for comfort when he feels nervous, and even taking it with him as he interacts with the other monkeys.
More information about Punch, the baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 14, 2026
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
In the wild, infant macaques cling constantly to their mothers for warmth, safety, and comfort. Without that contact, young monkeys experience stress that can affect social development. Punch sought solace in the plush toy and almost treated it as his surrogate mother.
This is a baby macaque in Japan that went viral. CNN even did a report on him because he's a textbook, scientifically studied case of childhood rejection trauma, literally what happens when your own parents abandon you.
— Majed North 🇨🇦 (@MajedNorth) February 19, 2026
Look him up, his name is Punch-kun.
Zookeepers had to give… pic.twitter.com/HL4lxeMofW
The plush toy was his only solace as he struggled to bond with other monkeys. Videos circulating online showed little Punch getting bullied by other monkeys have not only angered netizens but have also garnered huge sympathy for Punch.
Despite viral monkey Punch finally making some friends, he's still getting bullied by other monkeys at the zoo.
— Pubity (@pubity) February 19, 2026
Punch is really struggling to fit in with other monkeys and clings to humans whenever they come into the enclosure.pic.twitter.com/cxgY9JqC5G
WATCH - Heart wrenching scene: Little Punch was bullied again by a bigger monkey, who dragged her harshly across the ground. She cried and ran back to clutch her adoptive mother doll for comfort pic.twitter.com/ZWI56eCgnk
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 19, 2026
Punch's story struck chord with netizens as he embodied innocence, vulnerability, and the harsh realities of life in captivity. Hirokin, a user on X summed up the mood of the internet saying, "The difference really tugs at your heart, doesn't it… A baby monkey who has its mother nearby can run back to her when it's scared. If it falls, there's someone to protect it. If it feels anxious, there's someone to cling to. But Punch holds onto a stuffed toy, trying to comfort himself. He's doing his best to protect his own little heart. They're both just babies, yet having someone to lean on or not changes everything. And still, Punch keeps trying to live, bravely and earnestly, in his own small way. That's what makes him so precious… and a little heartbreaking, too." [sic]
ALSO READ: Punch The Monkey: Ichikawa City Zoo Reacts To Abandoned Baby Monkey's Viral Videos
By mid‑January, Punch had made a major breakthrough: he was successfully introduced to a group of young macaques at the zoo. Though nervous at first, he stayed close to his plush companion as he began cautiously interacting with other monkeys.
Videos shared online show a heartwarming progression, from a fragile, toy-clinging newborn to a curious youngster receiving his first real cuddles from fellow macaques.
🇯🇵🥹 In a Japanese zoo, baby monkey Panch, who had been clinging to a plush toy after being rejected by his mother, has finally found a real friend.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 18, 2026
Zookeepers had given him a plush orangutan to replace his mother, but now he has finally found a friend who truly cares for him. pic.twitter.com/GpgLULkB7T
For many following Punch's journey, the scenes mark an emotional turning point. After months of uncertainty, little Punch seems finally on his way to belonging. All is well again in his tiny world and his plush toy is still right by his side.
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