A tiny monkey clutching a bright orange stuffed orangutan has captured the hearts of the internet. A video filmed at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens shows a baby macaque named Punch walking with his plush companion, dragging it along, and curling up with it as though it were his mother.
The clip has struck a global emotional chord. Audiences see not just a cute scene, but a young primate coping with abandonment in the only way he knows. As the video spreads across social media, many people are now curious about where they can see Punch in person.
Where Punch Lives
Punch lives at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo. Nestled among greenery and pear orchards, the zoo offers a peaceful, suburban escape from the bustling Tokyo metropolis.
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Though relatively small, the zoo is well-kept and houses a variety of animals including red pandas, orangutans, birds, and small mammals—along with its now-famous baby macaque. Visitors looking for a calm wildlife experience near Tokyo will find it a convenient and enjoyable option.
Visiting Hours
- The zoo is open:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Last entry: 4:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays and some public holidays
- Arriving early is recommended to fully explore the grounds.
Punch’s Story
Punch is a Japanese macaque, commonly known as a “snow monkey” due to his thick fur and resilience in cold winters. Although born healthy, he was abandoned shortly after birth by his first-time mother.
Maternal bonding is crucial for young primates, providing warmth, protection, and reassurance that shape emotional and behavioral development. Without it, infants can experience stress and difficulties adjusting.
Zookeepers Kosuke Shikano and Shumpei Miyakoshi immediately stepped in to care for Punch around the clock. To satisfy his instinct to cling, they provided blankets and soft toys, a common practice in primate care when maternal bonding is absent.
Among the options, Punch formed a strong attachment to a bright orange plush orangutan. He carries it everywhere, sleeps with it, and presses it close when feeling uncertain, almost as if seeking comfort.
Zoo officials note that such surrogate objects can ease anxiety and help young primates adjust emotionally. For Punch, the toy has become a constant source of reassurance in his early life.