image courtesy of NBC News

Macaca fuscata, more commonly known as the Japanese Macaque or the snow monkey, is the only species of monkey found in the entire country of Japan. These primates are famous around the world for their cuteness and their fondness for the local hot springs. Recently, a very special Macaque has caught the attention of people all over the internet.
Punch-kun, often referred to as Punch Monkey, or more simply Punch, is a 7-month-old baby monkey who lives at the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Western Chiba Prefecture. He was born on July 26, 2025, inside the zoo. The caretakers named him after the pen name of Kazuhiko Katō, the famous author of the manga Lupin the Third, “Monkey Punch.” Immediately after birth, he was abandoned by his mother, who showed no interest in raising Punch-kun. According to zookeepers, the reason for the abandonment is most likely due to the mother’s inexperience and lack of physical strength brought on by the intense summer heat. Following his abandonment, he was hand-raised and fed by two caretakers.
On Jan. 19, Punch was introduced with the other 60 macaques at the zoo’s Monkey Mountain. This integration came with many struggles due to Punch-kun’s lack of a maternal figure. There are many videos of the adult monkeys in the troop attacking Punch-kun by swatting, pushing and swinging him around. Punch-kun was showing many signs of anxiety and isolation, such as playing by himself away from the rest of the troop. In order to help comfort him and help with his socialization, the zoo gave Punch-kun a Djungelskog orangutan plushie from IKEA. This plushie was then treated as a replacement mother to the baby, something he ran and clung to when he was hurt by the other macaques. The plush became a source of comfort for Punch-kun whenever he sensed danger. “Providing a stuffed toy and towels to hold onto not only stimulates clinging to a mother but also prevents excessive dependence on humans,” Ichikawa City Zoo said in a statement on X regarding the use of the plushie. Punch-kun didn’t let the abuse stop him from continuing to attempt to socialize; one caretaker describes Punch-kun as a “mentally strong” monkey who kept trying despite the occasional ostracization.
It was around February when the zoo started sharing videos showing Punch-kun’s journey and his origins. The heartbreaking stories became an instant viral sensation on the internet. The sympathy gained from these videos even created a viral hashtag, #HangInTherePunch. The popularity of Punch-kun even resulted in a dramatic increase in traffic, causing long lines outside the zoo and crowding in the parking lots. Even the orangutan plush has been affected by the fame, as can be seen from some eBay listings of the plush being resold for more than $100. These listings often have Punch-kun pictured with the plushie.
On Feb. 23, the zoo shared videos that showed that Punch-kun was beginning to play and make friends with the other monkeys without carrying around his plushie. These videos also show that the adults are accepting him as well: giving Punch-kun hugs, grooming him, letting him climb on their backs and just sitting around with him without incident.
Punch-kun’s story seems to be hitting a soft spot in many people’s hearts, as his situation is relevant to a lot of people’s lives. Everyone has had moments where they have been rejected by a social circle or moments where they feel alone and isolated. Punch-kun shows us that we should remain hopeful and persevere, even in the face of rejection.