Punch, a six-month-old Japanese macaque, has become an unlikely global hero after footage showed him holding on to a stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo. The moving videos, which were published in early February 2026, got millions of views and a lot of support on social media under the hashtag “Ganbare Punch,” which means “Hang in there, Punch.”
Punch, who was left behind at birth, finds comfort in a soft surrogate
Punch was born in July 2025. His mother left him shortly after he was born, and zookeepers reared him for the first few months of his life. In the middle of January 2026, he met a group of macaques. This was a very important but difficult phase in his growth.
Punch, like many young primates, had a hard time figuring out the troop’s social structure. Zookeepers gave the animals something to do, such as towels and toys. One thing that stood out was a 14-inch stuffed orangutan from IKEA that was called “Ora-mama.” The toy was constructed of polyester and had velcro limbs, which made it simple to hold on to because it felt like a monkey.
Punch took it with him everywhere, cuddling it while he slept, grooming it lovingly, and even using it as a shield when older macaques yelled at him. Zoo staff later said that infant macaques who cling to things are only acting normally as they look for safety.
A Story Bigger Than Cute Videos
The response has gone beyond what people are saying on social media. Fans contributed stuffed animals as gifts, which made the zoo more well-known and spurred conversations about animal welfare and how to make their lives better.
Experts claim that Punch’s trip is similar to how human babies form attachments, which shows how social primates are. Today, he is said to be healthy, more confident, and slowly getting used to life in the group, with his toy still in hand.
FAQs
Where do Japanese macaques reside in the wild?
Japanese macaques, sometimes known as snow monkeys, are endemic to Japan and do best in the northernmost places on Earth where there are no other primates. They live in the woods in the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, where winters are cold.
What do Japanese macaques look like?
They have thick brownish-grey hair that keeps them warm, pinkish-red faces and rumps, and short tails. Adults weigh between 8 and 11 kg and are 52 to 57 cm long.
Why do young macaques like Punch hold on to things?
When they don’t have a mother, baby macaques typically attach themselves to things like stuffed animals to feel safe. This helps them deal with their emotions when they join a tribe. Grooming means acceptance, as shown by Punch’s improvement.
Summary:
Punch, a six-month-old Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, has gone viral for clinging to a plush orangutan named “Ora-mama.” The touching story highlights primate attachment, zoo welfare practices and his gradual social breakthrough.
Read Also: Healthy Sehri and Iftar Menu in Bangladesh: Traditional Ramadan Foods That Nourish and Sustain
