Viral baby monkey ‘Punch’ draws huge crowds at Japan zoo

A baby macaque named Punch has become a major attraction at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo after winning hearts online with his emotional story and adorable videos.

Over 100 visitors gathered at the zoo on Friday, taking photos and cheering as the six-month-old cautiously approached other monkeys in the enclosure. Punch went viral on social media after clips showed him clinging to zookeepers and dragging around a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort.

Zoo officials said, Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, possibly due to inexperience or summer heat stress. For young monkeys, bonding with their mothers is essential for safety and emotional stability. Caretakers tried giving him towels, but he formed a strong attachment to the orangutan toy, now affectionately called "Ora-mama."

Visitors from different places came to see the baby macaque in person after following his story online. Many described him as "cute" and "heartwarming," while others said they felt emotional watching him slowly adjust to life with the troop.

According to the zoo, Punch has recently started integrating with other monkeys. He has been seen playfully poking them, getting scolded at times, and gradually learning to socialise. In one video, he runs back to his toy after being dragged but soon returns to play with the others. Other clips show adult

monkeys hugging and grooming him a key social behaviour among primates that builds trust and bonding.

The zoo urged visitors to support Punch's efforts to socialise, noting that although he is occasionally scolded, he has shown strong resilience and mental strength.

Born in July 2025, Punch initially struggled to fit in as other monkeys ignored or acted aggressively toward him. His bond with the plush toy helped him feel secure until he began forming friendships within the troop.

Social media users across the world have flooded the internet with messages of love, saying the once-rejected baby monkey is now adored by millions.