Millions watching the abandoned baby monkey hug his stuffed orangutan “Mom” — we found the exact toy for under $20
After being rejected at birth, the young monkey found comfort in a stuffed orangutan while zookeepers worked to reintroduce him to his group.
A recent video featuring a baby Japanese macaque has taken the internet by storm. The young monkey, known to followers as Punch, became a viral sensation due to his inseparable bond with a plush toy he uses for comfort. As Punch began his transition back into the troop in early 2026, but the sight of him clutching his “orangutan mom” captured the attention of millions across social media.
What happened
Punch was born on July 26, 2025, but sadly, his mother abandoned him right after his birth. To help him survive, zookeepers at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan took on the responsibility of raising him. Because primates have an instinctive need for constant physical contact, staff provided a plush companion to serve as a surrogate for his mother’s fur, provide comfort, and ease his anxiety. In a video shared online, he was seen cuddling the stuffed orangutan, carrying it everywhere, and even sleeping on it.
As Punch is slowly learning to interact with other monkeys in his group, he remains very attached to his plush companion. According to the zoo, Punch is learning to exist within the troop through daily social interactions. He’s playing with the other monkeys, getting groomed by them, and learning the rules of the social group. Although sometimes he gets a little scolding from the older monkeys. While he is spending now more time with his friends, he still clings to his stuffed toy for support as he navigates these new experiences. The zoo encourages visitors to come and see Punch as he grows up.
After a video of Punch went viral online, the zoo became a popular destination, attracting hundreds and thousands of visitors eager to see Punch in person.
Where to buy the orangutan mama soft toy
While the plush toy at the zoo represents Punch’s unique journey, we found the exact same one. Those who want the very same soft companion — with its shaggy texture and long, wrap-around limbs that brought him comfort — can get it from Ikea.
The toy is roughly 14 inches in height and retails for just $19.99, making it an affordable option for anyone who wants to provide a sense of security for a child or a pet. It has velcro on its hands and feet, so its arms can stay wrapped around something or hang from the edge of a bed.
The polyester filling is soft yet durable, and because the item is machine washable, it can handle the daily wear that comes with being a constant companion.
Why this matters
People are naturally drawn to Punch’s story because it touches on the universal need for companionship. Seeing a tiny animal find comfort in a stuffed toy is a powerful image that is easy to connect with, as it mirrors how people who have experienced loneliness and sought comfort, much like infants find security in their favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
This shared interest on social media has brought together a wonderful community of supporters who cheer him on as he adapts to his new group. It also teaches us that, just as providing food and shelter is important, paying attention to the emotional needs of a living being is equally crucial.
Beyond the emotional connection, these comforting objects play an important role in caring for animals, just like they do for humans. Punch’s attachment to the stuffed orangutan is a natural part of his growth, giving him comfort and safety as he explores his environment and learn how to interact with other macaques. While the toy is a basic consumer item, it plays an important role in helping Punch manage his emotional needs during a vulnerable stage of his life.
Millions of people are rooting for Punch and hoping that he will soon be able to fit in with the community, helping him move past his feelings of loneliness and make connections with others.
