Punch, a baby monkey abandoned by its mother, goes viral after befriending a stuffed orangutan

A seven-month-old Japanese macaque has captured global attention after forming an unusual but heart-warming bond with a stuffed orangutan toy following abandonment by its mother.

The baby monkey, named Punch, lives at Ichikawa City Zoo near Ichikawa, Japan. Zookeepers say the animal was rejected shortly after birth, possibly because extreme summer heat affected its mother’s behaviour during the month it was born.

In the absence of maternal care, Punch began clinging to a plush orangutan toy. The toy became both a source of comfort and a tool for movement, as the young macaque frequently carries it around the enclosure.

The attachment quickly attracted public attention after footage showed an adult monkey interacting roughly with Punch, prompting concern among social media viewers who described the baby animal as being bullied. In the video, the larger monkey was seen dragging Punch across the ground before the youngster escaped and returned to its toy companion.

In the wild, baby Japanese macaques normally depend on their mothers for warmth, protection and physical development by clinging to their bodies during early life stages. Zookeepers said the toy helped substitute for that sense of security while the animal adjusted to living within the troop.

Staff at the zoo said Punch has gradually begun learning social behaviour by interacting with other monkeys. Although he is sometimes reprimanded during play, there have been no signs of serious aggression from the group.

Visitors have travelled to the zoo after videos of Punch went viral online, using the hashtag #HangInTherePunch to express encouragement. Among them was a nurse who said seeing the abandoned animal’s determination to survive and build relationships was emotionally moving.

Zookeepers believe the plush companion also played a practical role in helping Punch develop mobility and confidence before rejoining the monkey group. They have now started training the macaque to become more socially integrated with other monkeys.

While the toy has remained a constant presence, staff expect that Punch will eventually outgrow the attachment as it becomes more independent.

The zoo has urged the public to continue supporting the animal’s socialisation process, saying the young macaque’s behaviour shows signs of resilience and emotional adaptation despite its difficult start in life.

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