Punch, a young Japanese macaqueat the Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, has captured the hearts of millions online after forming a close bond with a stuffed orangutan.Abandoned by his mother shortly after birthin July 2025, Punch struggled with anxiety and isolation.
Zoo staff introduced the plush toy from IKEA to provide comfort, and videos of him hugging it have since gone viral. The soft toy has become a symbol of emotional support and resilience for both the monkey and audiences worldwide.
Zoo officials explained that Punch initially had difficulty socialising with other monkeys in the troop. The staff provided a stuffed orangutan as a surrogate object to replicate the physical security and comfort that a young macaque would normally receive from its mother.
According to the zoo,Punch clings to the toy while playing, resting, and exploring, gradually learning to integrate with other monkeys and building trust with his caretakers.
The toy has allowed him to manage anxiety, develop confidence, and adjust more steadily to life within the troop, offering a vital bridge between maternal loss and socialisation.
The toy at the centre of Punch's viral fame is part of IKEA's DJUNGELSKOG collection, a range of wildlife-themed plush toys.
Theorangutan plushmeasures approximately 66 cm in length and is made mainly from polyester fibres. Its embroidered facial features make it safe and durable for children, while its long, flexible arms allow it to hang or cling, mimicking the natural movement of apes.
The collection has previously gained attention with other popular toys, such as IKEA's shark plush. Following Punch's story, IKEA donated several of the orangutan toys to the zoo to ensure he always has a companion.
I think we can all agree that Punch the monkey represents what the entire planet is feeling.We can do better, for Punch, for us, and for all life on Earth.pic.twitter.com/nfETa4SNlI
The DJUNGELSKOG orangutan is available in the United States for approximately $19.99 (£14.83). Availability varies by store and region, and online resellers often list higher prices due to the surge in demand driven by Punch's viral fame.
Source: International Business Times UK
