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Viral Macaque Punch Draws Tourist Surge to Ichikawa Zoo as Integration Advances

IKEA says the Djungelskog orangutan plush is sold out in some markets after the videos spurred a rush to buy.

Overview

  • Facing heavy crowds, the zoo asked visitors to follow a 10‑minute front‑row viewing limit at the macaque habitat.
  • Zoo staff report Punch is playing more with peers, characterizing the viral rough‑and‑tumble scenes as normal socialization rather than serious aggression.
  • Punch was hand‑raised after maternal rejection and was integrated into the Monkey Mountain group on January 19, with keepers continuing support.
  • IKEA Singapore lists the Djungelskog orangutan as out of stock, with sales spikes reported in Japan, the United States and South Korea and restocks signaled.
  • Secondary‑market listings show steep markups for the €12.99 plush, while brands including IKEA, Duolingo and Sixt have tapped the story in social posts.