Punch the monkey is the world’s newest emotional support icon

Punch, a 7-month-old macaque, plays with a stuffed toy at Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, near Tokyo, on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Though his toy is larger than him, Punch manages to lug it around. (Ko Sasaki/The New York Times)

Credit: NYT

Credit: NYT

Punch, a 7-month-old macaque, plays with a stuffed toy at Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, near Tokyo, on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Though his toy is larger than him, Punch manages to lug it around. (Ko Sasaki/The New York Times)
SOCIAL MEDIA
By Brooke Bunch
7 hours ago
X

Punch the monkey has quickly become the internet’s latest obsession.

Punch, a baby macaque in the Ichikawa City Zoo, Japan, was reportedly rejected by his mother shortly after birth, a rare but not unheard-of occurrence among primates. That heartbreaking detail sent the internet into protective overdrive.

According to Google data, “Why was Punch rejected by his mom?” became a breakout search, while “why do monkeys reject their babies?” climbed to the top of trending “why do monkeys…” questions.

Zoo caretakers stepped in to hand-raise Punch, sharing updates and livestream moments that spiraled across social media. According to a USA Today article, Punch went viral for dragging around and seeking comfort in a stuffed orangutan toy given to him by zoo staff.

The moment that broke everyone

In one widely shared clip, posted by Overtime, a zookeeper feeds the troop that has begun accepting Punch. When Punch spots him, he runs over and clings tightly, refusing to let go.

The caption reads: “The cutest thing ever 😭”

The IKEA effect

Then came the shopping frenzy.

According to an article on news.com.au, the plush orangutan toy has officially sold out at several IKEA stores worldwide with Australia not far behind.

The DJUNGLESKOG orangutan, which retails for as little as $16 to $20 depending on the country, is selling on eBay for prices as high as $355.

Punch, a 7-month-old macaque, plays with another monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, near Tokyo, on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Lonely boy no more: Punch is now making friends. (Ko Sasaki/The New York Times)

Credit: NYT

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Credit: NYT

An IKEA Australia spokesperson told news.com.au that while plush toys are always top sellers, global attention around Punch’s story created “unprecedented demand” for the iconic orangutan.

In the U.S., “monkey plush” searches hit an all-time high, and “emotional support monkey” more than doubled.

For now, Punch remains under close care at Ichikawa City Zoo. The updates continue and the world is watching.

Content Creator Brooke Bunch may be reached at brooke_bunch@yahoo.com.

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About the Author

Brooke is an executive speechwriter and brand strategist with an interior design hobby. She's an aspiring wake surfer, novelist and Miami University of Ohio graduate. Reach her at brooke_bunch@yahoo.com.