The Viral Story of Punch the Monkey

By Sarmista Kolluru

Edited by Isabella Phillips

Published 7/14/2026

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In February of 2026, an internet sensation known as Punch the Monkey was born after his heart-touching story went viral on social media. The story of the abandoned baby Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan gained massive traction when videos of him carrying a stuffed orange orangutan for comfort surfaced online.

Abandoned at Birth

Punch, whose full name is Punch-kun, was born on July 26, 2025. The zookeepers took immediate action and hand-reared the baby monkey. He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, which, although it sounds brutal, is common amongst the species of macaque. In addition to medical care, the zoo staff also provided him with his iconic stuffed orangutan, often referred to as “Oran-Mama.” According to the zoo, the stuffed animal was meant to “[stimulate] clinging to a mother but also [prevent] excessive dependence on humans.” Punch’s videos with his beloved toy were posted on X and touched the hearts of many people worldwide. 

Going Viral

Punch’s fanbase only grew after fans began to observe his struggles fitting in with his peers. Videos surfaced of the adult monkey residents pushing and hitting Punch when he tried to seek affection. Multiple other videos show the Punch’s struggle to acclimate to the clan, as the older monkeys bullied him. These videos resonated deeply with viewers, who felt sympathy for the baby monkey. 

Life among the Macaques

However, the zookeepers have since clarified that what looked like bullying to human eyes was actually a part of the natural order. It was a form of discipline that Punch had to go through if he were to live with other monkeys. “Punch is gradually deepening his interactions with the troop,” the zoo wrote in a February 6 post on X. “He’s getting groomed, playfully poking at others, getting scolded, and having all sorts of experiences every day, steadily learning how to live as a monkey within the troop!” The zoo also pointed out that Punch has displayed “resilience and mental strength” despite having had a tough start in life. Both traits have certainly struck a chord with people across the globe. 

A Symbol of Belonging

Anyone who has ever felt lonely or outcast could not help but cheer Punch’s acceptance into the macaque group. Punch’s story tapped into the universal experience of the desire to belong, the comfort of unexpected sources, and the determination required to find one’s own place in the world. Companies also got invested in his story, with the plush orangutan that Punch carried being sold by furniture retailer IKEA. The image of a motherless baby monkey clinging to his stuffed toy as he tried to find his footing in the group spoke to many

people’s hopes and dreams for their own children.

Punch's Happy Ending

Fortunately, Punch’s story has a happy ending. Punch was filmed being hugged and groomed by adult monkeys— a great honor in monkey society— and began making friends in his troop. Then, on March 15, 2026, videos emerged showing Punch cuddling and even kissing his newfound companion, who was affectionately named “Momo-chan,” or “little peach,” after a Japanese fruit. Punch, even though he has found real love, does not seem to have forgotten his stuffed toy, which got him through his darkest moments.

In February, zookeeper Kosuke Shikano noted that he predicts Punch’s readiness to move on to real love, telling Reuters, “I think there will come a day when he no longer needs his stuffed toy.” Punch’s story, from an abandoned baby to an internet sensation and finally to a young monkey in love, has been exactly the kind of happy ending society has been dying to read about.