Viral Baby Macaque Punch Is Embraced by Adult at Japan Zoo as Reintegration Advances

Overview

• New videos show an adult macaque named Onsing hugging Punch and helping him climb, signaling growing acceptance within the group.
• Punch was hand‑reared after immediate maternal rejection and bonded with an orangutan plush used as a transitional object.
• Surging crowds drawn by viral posts led the Ichikawa zoo to restrict access, ask for quiet and limit large photography equipment to reduce stress.
• IKEA donated multiple DJUNGLESKOG orangutan plush toys to the zoo, with the Ichikawa mayor and IKEA Japan’s president appearing alongside the shipment.
• Retail demand for the plush spiked with sell‑outs in several countries and resale prices near $126, while experts warned the online fervor could fuel illegal primate pet demand.