A six-month-old baby macaque named `Punch` has become an unexpected star at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo of Japan.
Punch went viral on social media platform X after videos showed him clinging to zookeepers and dragging around a stuffed orangutan toy.
The clips gained wide attention and inspired the hashtag HangInTherePunch.
🐒 A baby macaque has shot to social media stardom after being abandoned by his mother
Six-month-old Punch became an internet sensation after footage of him clinging forlornly to zookeepers and dragging around a stuffed orangutan toy were widely shared on X. pic.twitter.com/89P5bFDsrj
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 20, 2026
According to the reports, Punch was born in July but was abandoned by his mother. It may have been her first litter, or she may have lacked stamina during the summer heat. In the wild, baby macaques cling to their mothers for safety and to build muscle strength. Without his mother, Punch was raised in an artificial environment at the zoo.
Zookeepers tried offering towels and other soft toys, but Punch chose a long-legged stuffed orangutan. “It was easy for him to grab,” a keeper said, adding that it may have reminded him of another monkey.
Punch learns to socialise
Last month, Punch began training to rejoin his troop at Ichikawa City Zoo, located near Tokyo. Earlier this month, the zoo shared encouraging updates, saying he was gradually integrating. He has been seen “playfully poking others and getting scolded,” normal behaviour for a young monkey learning social rules.
On Friday, more than 100 visitors gathered around the enclosure to catch a glimpse of him. Some strained to take photos, while others shouted, “Hang in there!” as Punch tried to approach other monkeys.
“We’re here since this morning. We rarely come to a zoo but we wanted to see cute Punch,” said 32-year-old Sayaka Takimoto, who drove two hours with her husband. The couple described the videos of Punch carrying his stuffed toy as “adorable,” as per AFP reports.
Another visitor, Yoko, 50, said she had carefully studied his photos beforehand. “He’s so cute, so I had to come see him,” she said. “It makes me a little sad he’s growing so fast, but I’m relieved to see he’s making friends,” as per AFP reports.
Addressing concerns
Not all moments have been easy. A widely shared video showing Punch being dragged by an adult monkey worried some supporters. In response, the zoo issued a statement urging fans to “support Punch’s efforts” as he continues learning to socialise. Officials reassured the public that the troop has not shown any serious aggression.
“While Punch is scolded (by other monkeys), he shows mental strength and resilience,” the statement said as per AFP reports.
Punch’s journey from an abandoned newborn clinging to a stuffed toy to a young monkey slowly finding his place among his peers has touched thousands. As he grows stronger and more confident, visitors continue to cheer him on, hoping that the once-lonely baby macaque will soon feel fully at home with his troop.
(With AFP Inputs)
