Punch first captured hearts worldwide in February 2026 after videos documenting his heartbreaking early life went viral online. Born in July 2025, the Japanese macaque was reportedly abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and raised by zookeepers at the Ichikawa City Zoo. The young monkey became an internet sensation after he was seen clinging to a plush Ikea orangutan toy, affectionately nicknamed “Ora-mama,” for comfort and emotional support.
Now, months later, the monkey’s story has resurfaced after an incident at the zoo on May 17 sparked outrage online.
