A baby Japanese macaque named Punch became one of the internet’s most beloved animals after being abandoned by his mother shortly after birth at Ichikawa City Zoo in July 2025. Hand-raised by zookeepers, Punch faced another challenge when he was introduced to the zoo’s troop of around 60 macaques. Videos showing him being ignored or pushed away by other monkeys quickly spread online, touching millions of people around the world.

To help the young macaque develop the natural clinging behavior normally learned from a mother, zookeepers gave him an IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush toy. The stuffed animal soon became Punch’s constant companion. He carried it everywhere, slept with it, and hugged it whenever he appeared anxious or isolated. Images of the tiny monkey clinging tightly to the oversized plush turned him into a global symbol of resilience and comfort, while the orangutan toy itself became an unexpected viral sensation.

The heartwarming story sparked an extraordinary response. Demand for the DJUNGELSKOG orangutan surged worldwide, with many IKEA stores temporarily selling out as fans rushed to buy the same plush. In response, representatives from IKEA Japan visited the zoo and donated dozens of replacement orangutan toys to ensure Punch would always have a familiar companion as he grew.

As the months passed, Punch’s story became even more uplifting. Supported by his caretakers, he gradually gained confidence, began interacting with the other macaques, and relied less on his stuffed friend. By his first birthday, the zoo had received thousands of birthday cards and messages from fans across the globe, celebrating not only his remarkable journey but also the compassion shown by the people who cared for him.