A baby monkey that went viral after being abandoned by his mother and forming an emotional bond with a plush toy has finally started to integrate with other macaques.
The infant Japanese macaque, named Punch, was born at Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on July 26, 2025. However, his mother rejected him shortly after birth, forcing zookeepers to step in and hand-raise him to ensure his survival.
Without a mother to cling to, Punch developed a strong attachment to a stuffed orangutan toy given to him by keepers. Photos and videos of him clutching the plush companion for comfort quickly spread online, with fans across sharing support under the hashtag “Stay strong, Punch.”
However, after much heartbreak, Punch has begun to leave his stuffed toy behind and is now interacting with other monkeys.
Punch slowly begins integrating with monkey group
According to TV Asahi, Punch initially faced a cautious reception from other macaques when he entered the enclosure.
Having grown up without maternal care, Punch lacked the same social behaviors as other young monkeys, and members of the troop initially kept their distance.
However, a viral video posted on February 17 shows Punch approaching other macaques in the enclosure, and even shows another monkey caring for him.
While full integration will take time, zookeepers hope he will eventually socialize normally and live as part of the troop.
Miyakoshi Shunpei, a zookeeper in charge of Japanese macaques, told TV Asahi: “At first, Punch himself seemed nervous, and he was always clinging to the stuffed animal. But as the days went by, he started to wander away from the stuffed animal and go to other monkeys. He’s a very mentally strong monkey.”
We’ll continue to update this article as new developments emerge, including whether Punch is fully accepted by the troop. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates on his progress.
