Rejected by mother and bullied, monkey raised with toy now cares for baby macaque

It is not often that the internet collectively roots for anything. But Punch, the Japanese macaque whose early life was marked by rejection, loneliness and a stuffed orangutan he rarely let go of, managed to do just that.

The tiny monkey who once seemed to find safety only in the arms of a toy is growing up, and his latest appearance at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Japan has offered fans a heartwarming glimpse of a new chapter. Punch has been spotted taking an interest in a younger baby macaque, a moment that has drawn attention because of how far he has come since his own difficult beginning, according to a report by PEOPLE.For those who followed his story from the beginning, the sight carries a special significance.

Not long ago, Punch was the one who needed comfort. Now, as he becomes more familiar with the other members of his troop, he is being seen approaching a much younger monkey. The footage does not establish that he has taken on a parental role, but it offers a tender contrast to the images that first made him famous: a tiny macaque dragging a toy almost as big as himself, seemingly looking for the security he could not find with his mother.

In a recent update on X, the zoo shared footage of Punch, giving fans another glimpse of the monkey who has become one of its most recognisable residents. The post was also a reminder that his progress has not happened on its own. Behind the viral videos and the affection of millions of strangers are the keepers who have watched over him, adjusted his care and helped him gradually become comfortable around other macaques.“Punch and the other animals’ conditions change from day to day,” the zoo wrote in the post, translated from Japanese. “We observe them, interact with them, and provide care.”

The zoo added that keepers adjust the animals’ feeding routines according to the season and weather, crediting their daily attention for Punch’s continued health. It also asked supporters to recognise the staff whose work has helped him thrive.Born in July 2025, Punch was unable to receive care from his mother shortly after birth. He was taken in by zookeepers, who hand-raised him and bottle-fed him. For a baby Japanese macaque, being able to cling to its mother is important not only for comfort but also for developing the strength and instincts needed to navigate life. Without that contact, Punch needed an alternative.The keepers tried different substitutes, including towels and other soft toys, before settling on an orange stuffed orangutan from IKEA.

The toy became his constant companion. He would drag it around his enclosure, hug it and return to it after difficult interactions with other monkeys. Pictures and videos of the tiny macaque clutching the oversized plushie spread rapidly online, turning him into an unlikely global sensation and inspiring the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.His journey into the troop was not always easy. Videos showed older macaques chasing him away or scolding him, prompting concern among viewers who feared he was being bullied.

The zoo later explained that such interactions could be part of the troop's social hierarchy and that the behaviour should not automatically be interpreted as bullying. Keepers continued monitoring his interactions as he learned to live alongside the other monkeys.Slowly, the images began to change. Punch was seen spending more time with other macaques, playing, receiving attention and becoming less dependent on his stuffed companion.

His first birthday in July brought another reminder of how many people had followed his journey: fans sent more than 2,500 birthday cards to the zoo.Now, the sight of Punch showing interest in a younger macaque has given that journey another emotional turn. The baby who once needed a substitute companion is no longer alone in the same way. He is still young and learning to navigate life in the troop, but he is increasingly participating in the world around him.