The story of the Japanese orphan macaque Punch is gaining millions of views. What is known

Punch, a six-month-old Japanese macaque from the Ichikawa Zoo, became popular on social media because of his attachment to a stuffed toy that replaced his mother. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The story of Punch and his affection

Punch, a Japanese macaque, was born on July 26, 2025 at the Ichikawa Zoo. Immediately after birth, his mother abandoned him. Experts attribute this to her inexperience, stress, or abnormal heat, as a result of which monkey mothers may prioritize their own health and future offspring rather than taking care of the cub.

The newborn weighed only 500 g. The staff had to bottle-feed him. Due to the lack of maternal contact, the cub was offered a soft toy so that he could realize the instinct of clinging, which is important for the development of muscles and a sense of security.

"Japanese macaque cubs cling to their mother's body immediately after birth to build muscle strength. In addition, by holding onto something, they gain a sense of security. However, since Punch was abandoned, he had nothing to hold on to," explained zookeeper Kosuke Shikano.

Punch was offered a plush orangutan from an IKEA store, which was named "Oran-mama". The toy became his "foster mother": the macaque sleeps with it, carries it with him and clings to it in moments of anxiety. Shikano clarified that the choice fell on a toy similar to a primate, as this should help the cub integrate into the pack in the future.

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Difficulties of socialization in the pack

The integration of Punch into a group of 60 monkeys is not easy. Footage of adults pushing or chasing a cub has spread on social media.

A primatologist from the Australian National University, Alison Behi, noted that in a hierarchical society of macaques, such behavior is a normal social interaction, not bullying. However, without the protection of the mother, it is more difficult for Punch to learn the correct responses to the dominance of other pack members.

"Punch may not develop appropriate subordinate responses demonstrating his submission to dominance, which may have long—term consequences for his integration into the group in adulthood," she added.

Zoo staff say that macaques are gradually getting used to their relatives. Takashi Yasunaga, head of the city's department of Zoos and Botanical gardens, described Punch as a sociable animal that is already trying to interact with other monkeys.

Viewers on social media also noticed positive changes: some adult females began to comb out the orphan, and one of them, named Onsing, even began to show maternal attention to him.

"I want him to be happy and healthy on Monkey Mountain, like Otome," Yasunaga said.

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Global popularity and public reaction

The publication of Punch's photos caused a huge response. A post on the social network X (ex. Twitter) has gained more than 70 thousand likes and millions of views. The number of visitors to the zoo has doubled compared to last year. Due to the influx of people, the administration had to set up strict barriers and ask the guests to keep quiet and not use tripods to shoot, so as not to scare the animals.

The popularity of the macaque has also provoked a rush for plush orangutans from Ikea. In some regions, the toys were completely sold out, and resellers on online auctions began offering them at a price 15 times higher than the original.

At the same time, psychologists expressed the hope that interest in Punch would not lead to an increase in illegal trade in wild animals, as monkeys require specific care and communication with their own kind.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.