Meet Punch, a young macaque, or “snow monkey,” known for his attachment to his fuzzy orangutan stuffed animal. Videos of the monkey facing abuse from other macaques and seeking comfort in the toy at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan went viral across social media, captivating individuals worldwide as they became emotionally attached to Punch’s well-being.
Punch was abandoned by his mother in July 2025. Primatology expert Alison Behie stated that abandonment is quite unusual, but Punch’s biological mother was inexperienced, as Punch was her first child. Punch was also likely born during a heatwave, which added stress to the mother and caused her to prioritize her own health and needs over those of her child.
‘“Baby Japanese macaques immediately cling on to their mother’s body after birth to build muscle strength. They also get a sense of security through holding on to something. However, because he had been abandoned, Punch had nothing to grip on to,” zookeeper Kosuke Shikano told The Guardian.
Since his abandonment, the other macaques within the same enclosure have treated Punch roughly, either by dragging him around in circles, beating him, or shunning him. Without maternal guidance or comfort, Punch struggled emotionally against these attacks. In response, zookeepers gave Punch a stuffed bright orange orangutan from the Swedish company IKEA. Over time, “Ora-Mama,” as it affectionately became known, replaced Punch’s biological mother, and the two have become inseparable.
Visitors of the zoo began videotaping Punch’s unbounded love and connection with the dirty and torn-up toy orangutan in early February 2026. Concern for the monkey’s condition arose as videos acquired millions of views worldwide. Even influencers, such as American TikTok creator Chris Olsen, visited the Ichikawa City Zoo to ensure that Punch was doing well. Videos—and, more recently, videos generated by artificial intelligence—continue to propagate the notion that Punch’s situation has not improved, despite claims from zookeepers and experts.
‘’While dominant individuals may show disciplining actions toward their subordinates, as macaques do naturally, these actions in the macaque society ‘differ from human abuses,’” Ichikawa City Zoo told The Japan Times.
Though this abuse and dominance may be more natural among macaques, many still show their love and support for Punch as they follow him through his journey. In fact, the stuffed orangutan from IKEA’s Djungelskog collection has sold out in most stores in Japan and the United States, with Malaysia donating a portion of its plushie sales to supporting orangutan conservation efforts.
Punch is gaining independence from his stuffed animal as the other macaques integrate him into their troop. Still, people continue to provide support and love for him globally while he continues his journey.
