Who is Punch, the baby monkey going viral after being rejected by mother?

A baby monkey named Punch has become an unlikely internet sensation after his emotional story of abandonment and resilience captured global attention. Born in July 2025 at the Ichikawa City Zoo, the infant was rejected by his mother shortly after birth, forcing zoo staff to intervene and raise him by hand.

Punch, a Japanese macaque (snow monkey), required round-the-clock care from zookeepers who bottle-fed him and monitored his health closely during the critical early weeks of his life. With no maternal warmth or social bonding, caretakers introduced soft toys into his enclosure to provide comfort and reduce stress.

Among the items placed with him, a stuffed orangutan toy quickly became his constant companion. Visitors and staff observed the young monkey clinging to the plush toy, sleeping beside it and carrying it wherever he moved, behavior that many saw as a touching substitute for maternal affection.

While reports suggest that Punch was struggling to connect with other macaques earlier, zoo staff have reported progress in his socialization.

Many online described the scenes as heartbreaking yet hopeful, praising zoo staff for their attentive care.

In an even more remarkable turn, Punch has now reportedly been adopted by a female who has chosen to groom and care for him.

Zoo authorities have reportedly indicated that efforts are ongoing to gradually socialize Punch with other macaques to ensure healthy development. While initial attempts at integration were cautious, caretakers remain optimistic about his progress.

For now, Punch continues to attract visitors eager to see the small primate whose bond with a stuffed toy has become a symbol of comfort, resilience, and the universal need for companionship.

And in an even more remarkable turn, Punch has now been adopted by a female who has chosen to groom and care for him.