Rejected by his mother, bullied by older monkeys and raised with a stuffed toy, Punch is now showing a softer side

NewsWorld NewsRest of World NewsRejected by his mother, bullied by older monkeys and raised with a stuffed toy, Punch is now showing a softer side of care towards a younger macaque Rejected by his mother, bullied by older monkeys and raised with a stuffed toy, Punch is now showing a softer side of care towards a younger 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.

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. You use AI every day.

Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test. At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock.

With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.

Iran's Blunt Message To US; Vance Denied Face-To-Face Meeting By Top Iranian Security Official Mecca In Danger Saudi Scrambles Defences To Thwart Houthi Storm; Missiles Downed Near Holy Mosque 'Shut Up': Hegseth 'Humiliated' & Scolded By US Army Personnel In Full Public View | Watch 'It's Going To Happen': Trump Drops Bombshell On Hegseth After Heaps Of Praise On Pentagon Chief 'US Ship' Falls Prey To Iran; Tanker Erupts In Flames After Striking Mines In Hormuz 'Why Even Show Up?' Melania Faces Fierce Backlash Over Veterans Day Iran Says It Hijacked 7 US Drones Midair, Captured 2 Advanced American Submarines Iran's Pezeshkian Tears Into Trump, Netanyahu From NATO Soil | Watch Iran Continues Missile Production Despite Months Of US-Israeli Bombardment | Report Hegseth Survived Impeachment Vote, Then Came A Warning Democrat Targets War Chief After House Vote 7 morning habits that may support healthier hair growth and reduce hair fall naturally 6 silly things newly married couples often fight about, from household chores and food choices to bedtime habits and everyday routines