Baby Monkey Rejected by Mother Takes the Internet by Storm, and Causes People Around the World To Rejoice as ‘Punch’ is Adopted by a Family of Monkeys in Japan Zoo
Punch, the viral baby monkey, has a new family – and millions are elated by that.
Many journalists around the world have written articles trying to understand why so many people were touched by the saga of baby monkey Punch.
The sweet baby monkey, who found comfort in an orangutan toy after his mother abandoned him and he was constantly rejected by other macaques, trended strongly on social media.
FRIENDSHIP FOUND: A baby macaque named Punch, who was abandoned by his parents, has melted hearts around the world after video captures him hugging an older monkey following a tough time fitting in with the rest of the group. pic.twitter.com/kTtY9keLul
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026
The story of Punch-kun, known as Punch, the baby monkey, who was rejected by his mother.
Punch, is a seven-month-old baby macaque monkey who inhabits the Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.
Born in July 2025, Punch had to swallow a harsh reality when his birth mother refused and abandoned… pic.twitter.com/DNS2LV5B7F— M-Û-R-Č-H (@TheEXECUTlONER_) February 19, 2026
This is not Ai , his name is punch and he’s in Japan. His mama rejected him so he gets picked on and they gave him a stuffed monkey for comfort
I wish I could have punch! pic.twitter.com/gFxQQ47qz7
— LIZZIE (@farmingandJesus) February 20, 2026
Videos of Punch clutching his plush toy have millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and the hashtag #KeepGoingPunch has been used by thousands to express their solidarity with Punch.
The Ichikawa City Zoo has reported an increase in visitors, and the IKEA comfort toy sold out.
But yesterday, a wave of joy spread around the world as videos showed that Punch was finally welcomed into a family of monkeys inside his zoo.
Baby Punch, an orphan monkey that was abandoned by his mother, has finally been accepted by the other monkeys.
Punch was initially rejected the other monkeys, so he hung tightly to his plushie and was alone.
However, the little guy has started playing with the other young… pic.twitter.com/IaiE2LHpsJ
— Sunthar (@Sunthar_16) February 18, 2026
Daily Mail reported:
“Punch, a six-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, became an internet sensation after videos showed the lonely little primate finding comfort and companionship in his stuffed toy.
[…] The baby’s bumpy ride is finally over, as social media videos on Friday showed the adult troop member wrapping him in a tight embrace.”
The baby monkey ‘melted hearts worldwide’ when videos of him clinging to zookeepers and to his stuffed orangutan toy were shared.
“Because infant monkeys instinctively cling to their mothers from birth and he was rejected from his mother, staff offered Punch blankets and soft toys to ease his anxiety. He quickly chose the plush orangutan and has barely let go since.
Viral videos showed Punch hugging the toy as he sleeps, wrapping his arms around it and burying his face into the fabric.”
Little Punch has made his first true friend—that sweet macaque is no longer alone.
Abandoned by his mother, and rejected by his fellow monkeys, Punch became a loner, always carrying a stuffed animal with him.
Now he’s made friends with another monkey, who’s started caring for… https://t.co/zuqNQnVrim pic.twitter.com/95NfJ6m24C
— lone wolf (@MApodogan) February 17, 2026
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