Lonely macaque Punch finds a friend

In a world where social media brings fame to even the most unexpected of stars, one seven-month-old macaque named Punch has unwittingly captured the hearts of millions—not just for his adorable visage, but also for his poignant story of loneliness. Abandoned shortly after birth and raised by dedicated staff at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, Punch has quickly become the subject of viral videos showcasing his struggles to fit in with his fellow macaques.

To help comfort Punch in lieu of maternal affection, the zookeepers provided him with a stuffed orangutan toy from Ikea, which has now become his constant companion. It offers him solace in moments of distress, especially when he faces rejection or scorn from the other monkeys.

“Baby monkeys typically cling to their mothers for comfort,” the zoo explained in a statement on X, adding that Punch's attachment to his soft toy is not merely cute but a significant part of his journey towards socialisation.

Since moving in with a group of other macaques last month at the zoo's “Monkey Mountain,” Punch has faced the challenges of integrating into a social structure that is foreign to him. Despite the large number of humans cheering him on, he has had mixed experiences with his peers: videos proliferating on social media show him trying to approach other monkeys, often with little success, enduring moments of rejection and even bullying.

In a statement last Friday, the zoo confirmed the authenticity of several videos capturing light-hearted play, but also instances where Punch was dragged around by other macaques, illustrating the reality of his adjustment challenges. “Punch has been scolded by other monkeys many times in the past and has learned how to socialise with them,” the statement elaborated. Each time he experiences conflict, Punch returns to his soft orangutan for comfort, demonstrating the emotional reliance on his cherished toy.

The overwhelming interest in Punch has transformed Ichikawa City Zoo into a hot spot, with long lines forming as visitors flock to catch a glimpse of the famous macaque. Ikea has reported a surge in the sale of the DJUNGELSKOG orangutan toy that Punch clings to, prompting the company to assure customers that they are working diligently to restock the popular item, which has sold out in stores across Japan, the United States, and South Korea. “Seeing our orangutan soft toy provide hugs, snuggles, and a sense of calm for Punch has deeply touched us,” stated Karin Blindh Pedersen from Children’s Ikea.

Punch's story serves as a modern reminder of renowned psychological research conducted by Harry Harlow in the mid-20th century. Harlow’s experiments with rhesus monkeys showed that comfort and emotional support are as critical for development as physical needs. Joan Silk, an evolutionary biologist, reflects on Harlow's work, noting its relevance today. “Without his mother to help him navigate the social world, Punch has an uphill climb,” she says, emphasising the importance of social bonds for survival—even among monkeys.

As Punch continues to navigate this challenging phase of his life, his resilience shines through. “While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength,” the zoo remarked in its statement. The key to his success, however, lies in the willingness of his peers to accept him—an essential element for building social connections.

For those who feel compelled to intervene on Punch's behalf, experts advise against it. “He’s got to live a monkey life,” Silk explains. As the world watches Punch's journey, it appears we are learning not just about the heartwarming story of a lone macaque, but also about the profound complexities of social integration, emotional support, and the nurturing of friendships that resonates across species.