Baby monkey Punch’s journey from maternal rejection to viral fame at a Japan zoo has touched millions. Here’s how care, comfort and kindness changed his life.
Born in July 2025 near a zoo in Japan, Punch faced a difficult start when his first-time mother abandoned him soon after birth. (Photo: X/satoshi1014max)
A small macaque, Baby Monkey Punch, with a bright orange plush toy, has become one of the most emotional viral stories on the internet. Known locally as Punch-Kan or Panchi-kun, the baby monkey’s life began with rejection but slowly turned into a global symbol of comfort, care, and resilience.
Born in July 2025 near a zoo in Japan, Punch faced a difficult start when his first-time mother abandoned him soon after birth. Zoo staff stepped in immediately, giving the fragile newborn the care he needed to survive. Months later, videos of Punch clinging tightly to a soft orangutan toy have spread across social media, moving millions around the world.
Punch is a young macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo, located in Chiba Prefecture. Soon after his birth, his mother rejected him, a rare but known behaviour among first-time macaque mothers.
Abandoned by his mom at birth, baby monkey Punch only trusts his plush orangutan 'mom'.
He drags it everywhere, uses it as a shield when other monkeys scare him… yet he's slowly trying to join the troop.
Too pure for this world 🥹🐒 #GanbarePunch #SavePunch $Punch pic.twitter.com/mpEPUbsO3i— サト (@satoshi1014max) February 14, 2026
Although Punch was born healthy, the rejection affected his physical and emotional well-being. Zookeepers quickly decided to raise him by hand to ensure his survival. What started as a routine rescue soon turned into an extraordinary bond that caught the internet’s attention.
You can meet Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo, located in the northern part of Ichikawa City in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by pear orchards and a botanical garden, the zoo has quietly turned into a major attraction because of Punch.
More information about Punch, the baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 14, 2026
He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and has been hand‑raised by zookeepers.
They gave him a plush orangutan toy, which he carries everywhere, hugging it while he sleeps, using it for… pic.twitter.com/qn1fO7Wu1n
The zoo is home to red pandas, orangutans, and other animals, but Punch has become its biggest star. Visitors gather near the monkey enclosure, hoping to catch a glimpse of him holding his plush toy.
Address: ２８４番１外 Omachi, Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0801, Japan
Ticket prices:
Yes, but patience is key. About a month ago, zoo officials began slowly introducing Punch to other macaques, and the process remains gradual and closely monitored.
Punch has started taking small steps toward socialising, though he never parts with his plush companion. Visitors sometimes witness him observing other monkeys from a safe distance, clutching his toy tightly.
To help Punch feel safe, zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi provided rolled blankets and soft toys to replace the warmth normally given by a mother. Among all the items, Punch formed a strong attachment to one plush orangutan toy.
Fans online lovingly call it “oran-mama.” Punch holds the toy while sleeping, carries it while moving around, and presses it close whenever he feels anxious near other monkeys. The toy acts as emotional comfort and protection, helping him feel secure in unfamiliar situations.
Some recent videos suggest progress. An adult monkey named Onsing appears to have shown care toward Punch by hugging and grooming him. While these moments offer hope, zoo officials continue to monitor interactions carefully.
Zoo official Yasunaga Takashi told NHK World Japan that he was surprised by how crowded the monkey area has become. He hopes visitors continue watching Punch as he slowly integrates with the group.
Punch’s story has brought a surge of visitors to the zoo. In a report by NHK World Japan, zoo official Yasunaga Takashi said he was surprised by the growing crowds around the monkey enclosure. He expressed hope that visitors would continue watching Punch as he interacts with other macaques.
Located amid pear orchards and a botanical garden, Ichikawa City Zoo also houses red pandas and orangutans. Adult tickets cost JPY 440, children’s tickets cost JPY 110, and preschoolers enter for free.
