WATCH: Punch the monkey finally makes a friend
Punch has tugged at the heartstrings of people across the world after the only friend he had was a plush toy.
It looks like the internet's favourite lonely macaque finally made some friends.
Punch, also known as Panchi-kun, became a global sensation after footage of him clutching an orange plush toy went viral, but life at Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo has not always been easy for the little guy.
Born in July 2025, the zoo explained that Punch "was rescued from being abandoned and raised through hand-rearing", which left him a bit socially awkward among his own kind.
While millions of fans followed his journey under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, his real-life interactions with the troop were initially rocky.
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After footage surfaced of an older monkey dragging Punch away, the zookeepers stepped in to clear the air.
"The adult monkey that dragged Punch is probably the mother of the monkey with whom Punch tried to communicate," the zoo shared.
"She probably felt that her baby was annoyed by Punch and got upset, expressing 'don't be mean.'"
Despite the drama, the zoo insists Punch is doing just fine and learning the ropes.
On 6 February, they shared an update: "Punch is gradually deepening his interactions with the troop of monkeys!" adding that "He's getting groomed, playfully poking at others, getting scolded, and having all sorts of experiences every day, steadily learning how to live as a monkey within the troop."
@wsyreads Punch Finally getting the love he deserves. We won!!! The adult monkey Onsing wrapped little Punch in a tight embrace. The zoo reports he is making progress and has even begun being groomed by other macaques. Easily the coziest video you’ll see today. 🫂 Punch-kun (often just called "Punch") is a baby Japanese macaque (snow monkey) at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo. Viral Story: Born on July 26, 2025, Punch was rejected by his mother shortly after birth. Zookeepers hand-reared him and gave him a small IKEA orange stuffed orangutan (a DJUNGELSKOG plush) for comfort. Recent Updates: As of February 2026, he has become an internet sensation, with videos showing him clinging to his "plushie mom" while attempting to integrate into a troop of other monkeys. IKEA Involvement: IKEA Japan's president recently visited the zoo to donate replacement plushies to ensure Punch always has his source of comfort. #fyp #wholesome #punchmonkey #animallovers #favoritehooman ♬ original sound - May⸆⸉ ོ
The latest update is the best one yet.
The zoo noted that "As the days go by, the number of individuals Punch interacts with has been increasing."
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They also confirmed that "no single monkey has shown serious aggression towards" him and urged fans to "support Punch's effort rather than feel sorry for him."
New footage shows Punch finally ditching the toy for a real hug with a new troop mate, while also interacting with other monkeys.
@overtime I can sleep in peace now 🥹 #punch #monkey #wholesome #cute #love ♬ Little Things - Adrián Berenguer
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Images: Facebook/ Basil Villacortes Sali