Watch | Who is 'Punch' the monkey, whose videos are going viral across social media?

With clips of him not being accepted by the animal crowd, his bonds with the zoo's staff, and his love for the plushie, Punch became an internet star almost overnight, with netizens feeling bad for his exclusion from his own.

As animal interactions continue to take over the internet, with the Nihilist penguin beginning the virality for 2026, 'Punch' the macaque's experience have left the netizens feeling mixed emotions over the monkey's relationship with his zoo-mates and other macaques in Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo.

The baby monkey was abandoned by his mother at birth, after which the zookeepers gave him an orangutan toy to play with. In early February, videos of Punch dragging his orangutan around the zoo's enclosure quickly spread.

With clips of him seemingly not being accepted by the animal crowd, his bonds with the zoo's staff, and his love for the plushie, Punch became an internet star almost overnight, as netizens felt bad for his exclusion from his own.

During his life's first few months, he faced difficulties in interacting with the other monkeys, but recent videos showed that he was finally on the road to be accepted. A monkey was seen hugging Punch, and in some videos, others were seen grooming him. Users on the internet cheered the development, after seeing his distraught manner turn into something more positive, acceptance.

"While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength. When you observe these disciplinary behaviors from other troop members toward Punch when he tries to communicate with them, we would like you to support Punch's effort rather than feel sorry for him," they informed in their statement regarding Punch.

They saw an increase in footfall after their baby monkey's story won hearts. Fans crowded the zoo in an attempt to catch the monkey in his daily routine and habitat, and as recent videos surfaced, the baby macaque has found a following that cheer for his journey.

In recent developments, the IKEA-made orangutan plush toy immediately became a favourite, with the IKEA USA providing details on the toy. Captioned, 'Sometimes family is who we find along the way,' their post stated that everyone is now Punch's family.

Many people have called this another moment that hits closer to home. It felt human, his desperation to be identified as one of his own community, the fear of being excluded, holding onto a precious item for comfort, and holding on to ones that seem to care.

Though many felt sad about his instances with the other monkeys, users came forward to say that his is how the animal world works, strict in hierarchy and reinstating mannerisms in their community. Punch began making bonds once learning how to create and respect boundaries, and that is the real growth one focusses on.