The 'Punch effect' has transformed the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden into one of Japan's most prominent attractions of 2026. As of 25 February 2026, the seven-month-oldJapanese macaque, who gained global attention for his attachment to a stuffed IKEA orangutan, is no longer the isolated figure that first captured public sympathy. While his 'Oran-Mama' plush toy remains a fixture of his environment, recent developments within the 'Monkey Mountain' enclosure suggest the infant is beginning to form social bonds with his peers.
The animal's viral popularity, shared under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, has led to a significant surge in attendance for the Chiba-based facility. Local officials reported that visitor numbers peaked at over 6,000 people during the recent long holiday weekend, a six-fold increase over the zoo's typical daily average. This influx has necessitated new crowd control measures to ensure the welfare of the primate troop during this period of high interest.
三連休中「中の人」を務めた安永です。本日の来園者数は約5,200人でした。運営の至らぬ点も多々あったかと思いますが、お客様、スタッフ、そしてネットで応援してくださる皆さん…全ての皆様に、園を代表して御礼申し上げます。本当にありがとうございました！！#市川市動植物園#市川ファンpic.twitter.com/u7hUwkCcn6
To manage this demand, the zoo has established a restricted safety perimeter around the macaque enclosure to prevent overcrowding and reduce environmental stress. Visitors are being requested to remain silent and avoid using tripods or stepladders to ensure the troop remains calm during the delicate process of social integration. Furthermore, the zoo noted that while international inquiries have increased, staff are currently only able to respond in Japanese due to the volume of correspondence.
The most significant update for those following the story is the successful transition Punch has made from his surrogate plush toy to real-life interactions. After weeks of being 'scolded' or ignored by the adult macaques—a natural form of social discipline within a troop—Punch has reached a major milestone. On 22 February,footage confirmedthat an adult macaque was seen meticulously grooming the infant, an act considered the ultimate sign of acceptance and trust in primate society.
2/22(日)のサル山の様子飼育員「皆さんのマナーのおかげで、静かな感じで特にケンカ等はありませんでした。パンチは17頃、2頭のサルに念入りに毛づくろいされるなど、群れに着実になじんできています」#市川市動植物園#がんばれパンチpic.twitter.com/EyjV0rpvPv
Observershave also noted that an adult monkey named Onsing has taken a protective interest in the young macaque. This 'bodyguard' behaviour often involves Onsing sitting near Punch or shielding him during more boisterous group activities. As of 23 February,keepers reportedthat Punch is now frequently seen engaging in play with other infants, often leaving his stuffed toy behind to join the social group.
🚨JUST IN: Punch has now received a hug.pic.twitter.com/kn87DL7etY
While Punch is becoming increasingly independent, his connection to theIKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutanhas created a notable cultural and commercial phenomenon. TheSwedish retailerreported that the plush toy is currently out of stock in Japan and several international markets due to the
On 17 February, thepresident of IKEA Japanvisited the facility to donate a supply of replacement plushies. This ensures the animal has a clean surrogate mother available as he continues his transition toward full social independence. Despite the commercial success, the zoo maintains that the toy was always intended as a temporary bridge to help the orphan cope with the absence of his biological mother.
Source: International Business Times UK
