A tiny baby macaque named Punch‑kun was born in July 2025, but his early life was fraught with struggle — his mother unexpectedly abandoned him, leaving him cold, hungry, and alone in the enclosure. The zookeepers immediately stepped in, feeding him with a bottle and keeping him warm, but they noticed that without a maternal presence, Punch remained anxious and withdrawn. Then, in a heartwarming twist, the staff introduced a soft plush orangutan toy into his life. Clutching it tightly, Punch found comfort and security, treating it as a surrogate mother. He slept with it, carried it everywhere, and even groomed it, forming a touching bond that melted the hearts of viewers worldwide. Social media quickly caught on, and videos of the tiny monkey obsessively hugging his toy went viral, attracting visitors from across Japan who wanted to see the cuddly little macaque in person. Over time, Punch began interacting with other monkeys in his troop, slowly learning to trust and play with his peers, but he never let go of his plush companion — a symbol of resilience, love, and the surprising ways comfort can transform a lonely life.
