Baby Monkey Rejected by Mother Takes the Internet by Storm
Punch, the baby monkey whose story captured hearts worldwide, has finally found a new family — and the internet is celebrating.
For weeks, journalists across the globe have tried to explain why so many people felt deeply moved by Punch’s journey. The young macaque, abandoned by his mother and repeatedly rejected by other monkeys, turned to a plush orangutan toy for comfort. Images and videos of him clutching the toy quickly spread online, drawing millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Supporters rallied around him using the hashtag #KeepGoingPunch.
FRIENDSHIP FOUND: A baby macaque named Punch, who was abandoned by his parents, has melted hearts around the world after video captures him hugging an older monkey following a tough time fitting in with the rest of the group. pic.twitter.com/kTtY9keLul
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026
The story of Punch-kun, known as Punch, the baby monkey, who was rejected by his mother.
Punch, is a seven-month-old baby macaque monkey who inhabits the Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.
Born in July 2025, Punch had to swallow a harsh reality when his birth mother refused and abandoned… pic.twitter.com/DNS2LV5B7F— 👉M-Û-R-Č-H👈 (@TheEXECUTlONER_) February 19, 2026
This is not Ai , his name is punch and he’s in Japan. His mama rejected him so he gets picked on and they gave him a stuffed monkey for comfort
I wish I could have punch! pic.twitter.com/gFxQQ47qz7
— 🌷 LIZZIE🌷 (@farmingandJesus) February 20, 2026
The attention even boosted real-world interest: visitor numbers rose at Ichikawa City Zoo, and the same comfort toy — sold by IKEA — reportedly sold out.
Now, there’s a joyful update. New videos show Punch being embraced by a troop of adult monkeys at the zoo, signaling that he has finally been accepted. According to Daily Mail, “Punch, a six-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, became an internet sensation after videos showed the lonely little primate finding comfort and companionship in his stuffed toy. The baby’s bumpy ride is finally over, as social media videos showed an adult troop member wrapping him in a tight embrace.”
🚨🤩 Baby Punch, an orphan monkey that was abandoned by his mother, has finally been accepted by the other monkeys.
Punch was initially rejected the other monkeys, so he hung tightly to his plushie and was alone.
However, the little guy has started playing with the other young… pic.twitter.com/IaiE2LHpsJ
— Sunthar (@Sunthar_16) February 18, 2026
Little Punch has made his first true friend—that sweet macaque is no longer alone.
Abandoned by his mother, and rejected by his fellow monkeys, Punch became a loner, always carrying a stuffed animal with him.
Now he’s made friends with another monkey, who’s started caring for… https://t.co/zuqNQnVrim pic.twitter.com/95NfJ6m24C
— lone wolf (@MApodogan) February 17, 2026
Punch had previously “melted hearts worldwide” in footage of him clinging to zookeepers and hugging the plush orangutan. Because infant monkeys instinctively cling to their mothers from birth, staff offered him blankets and soft toys to soothe his distress after maternal rejection. He chose the orangutan plush — and rarely let go.
Viral clips showed him sleeping with his arms wrapped around the toy and his face buried in the fabric. Now, with a troop finally accepting him, Punch appears to have found the real companionship he’d been missing — a hopeful ending that has delighted millions who followed his story.
About Post Author
