A tiny Japanese macaque named Punch is touching hearts everywhere, thanks to his unlikely friendship with a stuffed orangutan toy. Abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth at the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the seven-month-old monkey has become a symbol of resilience and hope.
Punch entered the world on July 26, 2025, weighing just 500 grams. When his inexperienced mother rejected him, zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi stepped in, providing round-the-clock care and gradually introducing him to the sounds and scents of his troop. “Baby macaques cling to their mothers to feel safe and strong,” Shikano explained. “Without that, immediate intervention was critical.”
A Plush Lifeline
In their efforts to give Punch comfort, caretakers tried various towels and toys, but it was a bug-eyed orangutan plush from IKEA that became his lifeline. Its long, grippable hair mimicked a real mother’s fur, offering Punch the security he desperately needed. Visitors often spot him dragging his toy around, clutching it when startled, or curling up with it to sleep—moments that have gone viral online under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.
Finding His Place in the Troop
Despite a rocky start, Punch is learning to fit in with his fellow macaques. While he’s occasionally scolded or gently corrected by older troop members—a normal part of monkey social life—he’s also started forming bonds. Recently, another monkey groomed Punch, a hopeful sign of growing acceptance. He’s now seen playfully interacting with young macaques, climbing, and exploring with growing confidence.
“Even when scolded, he recovers quickly,” said Miyakoshi. “He’s mentally strong and steadily learning how to socialise.”
Crowds have been gathering at the zoo to watch Punch’s journey, cheering him on as he navigates the challenges of primate society. For now, his stuffed orangutan remains his constant companion—a comforting reminder that, with a little help and a lot of heart, even the smallest among us can inspire the world.
