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Punch-kun the baby macaque hugging his plushie

Punch is spending time with his caretakers

After a challenging week of socialization with the macaque troop, Punch was taken out of the enclosure today for some quality time with his dedicated zookeepers. He's safe, healthy, and still clutching his beloved DJUNGELSKOG plushie.

Feb 22, 2026Source

Latest updates

EuronewsGlobal phenomenon

Fans flock to Japan zoo to see viral baby monkey Punch

Crowds flood Ichikawa City Zoo as Punch-kun's story goes global.

Posted Feb 22
Morning BrewGlobal phenomenon

'Find me the loneliest monkey you can'

Morning Brew's joke IKEA boardroom pitch goes viral — perfectly capturing how Punch turned a furniture company into an emotional support brand.

Posted Feb 21
BBC BreakfastAcceptance begins

Punch finally finds comfort among his own kind

BBC reports that after weeks of rejection, Punch is being accepted by the troop — the abandoned baby who broke millions of hearts is making real friends.

Get Punch's Plushie

Punch's famous comfort buddy — the IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan. The same plushie that helped a tiny abandoned macaque feel safe in the world.

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NEXTAAcceptance begins

Onsing wraps Punch in the warmest hug

The moment fans have been waiting for — adult macaque Onsing embraces little Punch in a tight hug, a powerful sign of acceptance.

Posted Feb 22
KTLAAcceptance begins

Orphaned monkey slowly finding acceptance

KTLA/AP reports on Punch's progress — the orphaned baby whose attachment to a stuffed toy captivated the world is being accepted by his troop.

Posted Feb 21
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OvertimeAcceptance begins

How it started vs. how it's going for Punch

From being bullied to being embraced. This edit showing Punch's journey from rejection to acceptance hit 3.2 million views in a single day.

Posted Feb 21
Pop BaseA tough day at the troop

Zoo addresses viral 'dragging' video

The zoo explains that the adult monkey dragging Punch was likely the mother of the baby Punch tried to interact with.

Washington PostA tough day at the troop

Punch is gradually building his social skills

The Washington Post covers Punch's journey from abandoned infant to viral sensation, now slowly learning to navigate troop dynamics.

Posted Feb 20
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OvertimeA tough day at the troop

The saddest day — Punch's struggle with the troop

Compilation of Punch being rejected and bullied by older monkeys, retreating to his plushie each time. The emotional low point of his story.

Posted Feb 19
ComplexIKEA CEO visits the zoo

IKEA Japan's president visits Punch with donated plushies

IKEA Japan CEO visits the zoo and donates multiple replacement DJUNGELSKOG plushies, nicknamed 'Oran Mama' by fans.

Posted Feb 17
Ryan RozbianiLearning social rules

Great news: Punch is making friends

Punch ditches his plushie to play with other macaques at the zoo — a heartwarming sign that socialization is working.

Posted Feb 20
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CNNThe story goes viral

CNN tells Punch's origin story

CNN's TikTok covers the full arc — abandoned at birth, raised by zookeepers, given his IKEA orangutan, and winning hearts worldwide.

Posted Feb 17
ComplexThe story goes viral

Baby monkey goes viral clinging to toy after mom abandons him

Complex covers the viral story of Punch being rejected by his mother and finding comfort in his IKEA plushie.

Posted Feb 15
@volcaholic1The story goes viral

The full story of Punch and his plush companion

Detailed thread covering Punch's backstory — abandoned at birth, hand-raised by zookeepers, and given the DJUNGELSKOG plushie he carries everywhere.