17.02.2026 08:43
The caregiver of Punch, the baby macaque monkey who touched the hearts of millions by clinging to a stuffed toy in longing for his mother after being abandoned by her in Japan, spoke out. Caregiver Yasunaga Takashi stated that Punch is unable to eat enough on his own, often clings to the staff, and suffers from loneliness.
According to news from the national press in Japan; in the city of Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, a macaque monkey named "Punch," born in July 2025, was abandoned by its mother. The zookeepers who intervened for Punch raised the baby monkey through "artificial care" and released it into its natural habitat in "Monkey Mountain," Tokyo, in January.
“CURES 'MOTHERLY LOVE' WITH A PLUSH TOY”
Officials offered baby Punch towels, blankets, and plush toys to "ease its anxiety" since baby monkeys often cling to their mothers in the first year after birth. Among these, Punch preferred to cuddle a plush orangutan and became popular among zoo visitors for its efforts to adapt to the group in its new environment.
Zoo official Yasunaga Takashi stated to reporters, "The staff tried to give Punch something to hold onto, but its favorite toy turned out to be a toy monkey."
“CAN'T EAT, SPENDS TIME ALONE”
Yasunaga said, "I can feel its growth. It still can't eat enough on its own. It often clings to the zookeepers or spends time alone, separate from the group."
MILLIONS ARE TALKING ABOUT IT
Video footage of the 2-kilogram monkey cuddling a plush toy due to "mother longing" gained significant attention on social media and went viral online. Videos tagged "Come on Punch" received comments such as "heartwarming," "grew up overcoming abandonment," "hope it finds happiness," and "its resilience is amazing."
In widespread shares on the social media platform of the US-based company X, it was reported that Punch also used its toy as a shield when excluded by other young monkeys.
It was reported that Punch was abandoned due to its mother's first birth and her exhaustion after giving birth to Punch.