A baby macaque named Punch, who went viral for clinging to a plush toy after being abandoned by his mother, is now thriving. New videos show him happily playing and cuddling with a female macaque named Momo-chan, indicating his successful integration into the troop and growing independence. Punch the monkey has found a 'girlfriend': Japan's viral lonely macaque finds love with Momo-chanWho is Punch? Zookeepers hand-raised him after rejection from fellow monkeys.Newly surfaced social media videos show Punch playing, cuddling, and "kissing" a female macaque named Momo-chan. One X post wrote, "'Punch found a girlfriend, and you're still single,'" while another said Momo-chan's colour matched the toy.

Source: Punch March 18, 2026 10:42 UTC