Abandoned at birth, baby monkey melts hearts worldwideBaby Punch (Photo X: @meguxiang)A seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured hearts around the world after photographs and videos showed him clutching a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. Punch was born in July 2025 and reportedly abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Footage shared on X shows the young monkey holding the toy tightly while sleeping and, at times, using it as a shield or comforter when rejected and pushed away by other monkeys. Photos and videos of Punch began circulating widely online this week, drawing an outpouring of sympathy from people across the globe. Many said they were moved by the young monkey’s vulnerability and the visible loneliness reflected in his attachment to the toy.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2026 10:04 UTC