Viral Baby Monkey Draws Crowds to Ichikawa City Zoo
In the heart of Chiba Prefecture, a tiny 7-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch has become the world’s most famous “main character.” But behind the millions of views and the hashtags like #HangInTherePunch, lies a story of profound loneliness, resilience, and an unlikely bond with a stuffed toy from IKEA.
The Abandoned Beginning
Born on July 26, 2025, Punch’s life started with a struggle. His mother, an inexperienced first-time parent likely exhausted by a brutal summer heatwave, showed no interest in raising him. In the world of macaques, where an infant’s survival and social standing depend entirely on clinging to their mother’s fur, this abandonment was a potential death sentence.
Zookeepers at Ichikawa City Zoo stepped in to hand-rear him, but they knew they couldn’t replace the physical comfort of a mother. They experimented with towels and various plushies until they found the perfect surrogate: a long-limbed, bug-eyed IKEA Djungelskog orangutan.
“Oran-Mama”: The Surrogate Mother
For Punch, the toy—now nicknamed “Oran-Mama” by fans—is more than a plaything. It is his safety net. Viral videos show Punch dragging the toy (which is nearly twice his size) across the enclosure, snuggling into its orange fur when he feels overwhelmed, and sleeping tightly in its arms.
The imagery has struck a chord globally. “It felt deeply human,” one viral post noted. “Many saw their own childhood comfort objects in Punch’s tight grip.”
The Social Struggle: “Monkey Business” is Harsh
In late January 2026, zookeepers began the difficult process of reintegrating Punch into the 60-member troop on “Monkey Mountain.” Without a mother to protect him or teach him social cues, Punch entered the group as an outsider.
Recent viral clips have sparked both empathy and concern, showing Punch being “scolded,” shoved, or even dragged by older monkeys. However, the zoo has urged fans to stay calm:
“While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength,” the zoo stated. “This is part of his journey as he learns how to be a monkey without a mother to show him the ropes.”
The “Punch Effect”: IKEA Shortages and Zoo Crowds
The “Punch Effect” has turned the small Ichikawa City Zoo into a global landmark. As of late February 2026, “huge lines” have formed outside the gates, forcing the zoo to implement strict noise controls and barriers to prevent the crowds from stressing the animals.
Meanwhile, IKEA has seen a massive global spike in sales for the specific orangutan plush. In a heartwarming gesture, IKEA Japan recently donated 33 replacement toys to the zoo to ensure Punch always has a clean “mother” to hold onto.
Signs of Hope
The latest updates from the zoo bring good news. For the first time, Punch has been spotted being groomed by other members of the troop—a universal sign of acceptance in primate societies. There are even reports of a “bodyguard” figure—an older macaque—who has begun staying close to Punch to ward off bullies.
