Abandoned Baby Monkey's Bond with IKEA Stuffed Toy Captivates Global Audience
A heartwarming story from Japan has captured the attention of animal lovers worldwide, as a baby monkey abandoned by his mother finds solace in an unlikely companion: a stuffed orangutan toy from IKEA. The seven-month-old macaque, named Punch, has become an internet sensation after videos of him dragging the toy around his enclosure at Ichikawa City Zoo went viral earlier this month.
Punch's Journey to Socialization
Punch was born on July 26, 2025, and was abandoned shortly after birth. Since then, he has been raised by dedicated zookeepers at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture. To help him cope with loneliness and learn to socialize with his species, the zoo introduced him to a troop of monkeys on January 19, 2026, and provided him with the IKEA Djungelskog stuffed orangutan toy.
The toy, nicknamed "Ora-mama," has become Punch's constant companion. He carries it with him throughout the enclosure and runs back to it for comfort whenever he faces rejection or scolding from other monkeys in the troop. This behavior has resonated deeply with online audiences, drawing legions of sympathetic fans who follow his progress through the zoo's social media posts on X.
Social Media Fame and Challenges
The zoo's regular updates on Punch's development have documented both his struggles and his gradual integration into the monkey troop. "As the days go by, the number of individuals Punch interacts with has been increasing," the zoo noted in a post earlier this month. However, the journey has not been without its difficulties.
A recent video posted last Thursday caused concern among Punch's followers when it showed an adult monkey dragging him to the ground. The zoo explained that this adult was likely the mother of another baby monkey in the enclosure, who became upset after Punch attempted to communicate with her offspring. Despite this setback, Punch quickly recovered, briefly seeking comfort with his stuffed toy before returning to interact with other monkeys.
IKEA Capitalizes on Viral Moment
The widespread popularity of Punch's story did not go unnoticed by IKEA. Last Tuesday, the company's top executive visited the zoo with a fresh supply of Djungelskog stuffed animals for Punch and other animals at the facility. This gesture highlighted the commercial impact of the viral moment, as IKEA reported a significant increase in sales of the orangutan toy.
Stores in Japan, the United States, and South Korea have sold out of the Djungelskog toy, prompting IKEA to prioritize restocking. Javier Quinones, a commercial manager for IKEA's Ingka Group, stated, "We are making sure that the toy is back in stock as soon as possible. The toy has long been one of our most sought-after across markets, and the story from Japan is now giving it a little extra love." The company has even launched a new advertisement featuring the toy, labeling it as "Punch's comfort orangutan."
A Symbol of Resilience and Compassion
Punch's story transcends mere viral fame, serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by orphaned animals and the innovative methods zoos employ to support their well-being. His bond with the IKEA toy illustrates how simple comforts can aid in emotional recovery and social adaptation.
The zoo continues to encourage the public to "warmly watch over Punch and the other members of the monkey mountain" as he navigates the complexities of troop life. With each passing day, Punch's interactions grow, offering hope that he will fully integrate into his community while maintaining the endearing connection that has melted hearts around the globe.
