A heartwarming story is drawing crowds at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, where a baby Japanese macaque named Punch has formed an inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan.
Early Struggles
Punch’s mother abandoned him at birth seven months ago, leaving the tiny macaque vulnerable. Japanese macaque infants typically cling to their mothers for muscle development and a sense of security, so zookeepers intervened quickly after a visitor alerted them to the situation.
“Baby macaques need their mothers for both physical and emotional support, so immediate care was crucial,” explained zookeeper Kosuke Shikano.
Finding the Perfect Companion
Initially, the keepers tried rolled-up towels and other stuffed animals, but none worked. They eventually introduced a large, orange stuffed orangutan from IKEA.
Shikano noted, “This toy has long hair and several easy spots for Punch to hold. Its resemblance to a monkey was important because it might help him integrate with the troop later.”
Since then, Punch has rarely been seen without his cuddly companion, dragging it everywhere despite the toy being bigger than him. The duo has become an instant social media sensation, attracting visitors eager to witness the touching friendship firsthand.
Public Reaction
Fans of Punch have expressed deep empathy for his journey. Miyu Igarashi, a 26-year-old nurse, said, “Seeing Punch abandoned but still trying so hard really moved me. When I got the chance to meet a friend, I suggested we go see him together.”
Zoo visitors now frequently gather to watch Punch, marveling at his affection for the stuffed orangutan and his gradual attempts to interact with other macaques.
Gradual Integration
Shikano believes that Punch’s mother abandoned him due to extreme heat in July, which may have made caring for a newborn difficult. While Punch initially faced some challenges in communicating with the troop, keepers say this is part of the natural learning process.
“I think there will come a day when he no longer needs his stuffed toy,” Shikano added, optimistic that Punch will eventually grow more confident and fully integrate into the macaque community.
