Abandoned Baby Monkey Finds Comfort in Plush Companion at Japanese Zoo
A heartwarming story from Japan has captured global attention as a baby monkey, abandoned by his mother, has turned to a cuddly plush toy for emotional support and companionship.
Punch's Journey from Abandonment to Internet Fame
Punch, a six-month-old macaque born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, was tragically abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Since then, zookeepers have been hand-raising the infant primate, providing round-the-clock care including feeding and nurturing.
Because young macaques naturally cling to their mothers from birth, zoo staff recognized Punch's need for physical comfort and introduced various objects for him to cuddle. His choice was an orange plush orangutan, which has since become his constant companion and surrogate mother figure.
Viral Sensation and Emotional Bond
Photographs of Punch cuddling, carrying, and sleeping with his plush companion have spread across social media platforms, making the baby monkey an unwitting internet star. The images show Punch holding the stuffed animal while attempting to socialize with other monkeys in his troop.
In Japan, the hashtag 'HangInTherePunch' has trended as people share images and express support for the resilient primate. Kosuke Shikano, a 24-year-old observer, told Mainichi newspaper: "The stuffed animal was a surrogate mother to him. Even when scolded by other monkeys, he quickly recovers. He's mentally strong."
Zoo Care and Ongoing Development
Despite being introduced to the troop of monkeys at Ichikawa City Zoo, Punch still requires regular feeding by zookeepers to ensure proper growth and development. His plush orangutan remains by his side, providing comfort during challenging interactions with other macaques.
Zoo staff continue to monitor Punch's progress carefully, noting that the plush toy serves as crucial emotional support during his integration into the social structure of the monkey troop.
Parallel Case of Trauma Recovery
This case echoes another recent instance where a traumatized macaque found solace in a stuffed toy. Little Mongkood, rescued by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), turned to a teddy bear for emotional support after witnessing the murder of his family.
Like Punch, Mongkood uses his stuffed companion for comfort, playing with it, clinging to it, and sleeping with it nearby. These parallel cases highlight how plush toys can provide crucial emotional stability for primates experiencing trauma or abandonment.
The story of Punch continues to evolve as zookeepers work to ensure his healthy development while maintaining the emotional support system that has made him an internet sensation and symbol of resilience.
