Punch, the baby macaque who captured the world’s attention after being abandoned by his mother and forming an attachment to an orange plush toy, appears to have taken a significant step forward — finding companionship with a female monkey at the Japanese zoo where he lives.
The young macaque, who is housed at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, has been filmed interacting with a female macaque understood to be named Momo-chan. Videos shared across social media platforms including X show the pair hugging, cuddling and exchanging what appear to be affectionate gestures, as well as playing together — chasing each other and leaping around their enclosure. In several clips, Punch’s signature orange orangutan plushie remains visible nearby as the two sit close together.
Punch first became an internet sensation after footage emerged of him clinging to the soft toy following rejection by his mother and reported bullying from other members of the monkey group. Zoo staff, noticing his isolation, provided him with a towel and a couple of stuffed animals for comfort. He quickly developed a strong attachment to the orange orangutan plushie, rarely putting it down, and his story prompted a wave of public sympathy from people moved by the sight of a young animal relying on a toy for emotional support.
The viral footage drew visitors to the zoo in significant numbers, with people travelling to see Punch and his beloved plushie in person.
Recent footage suggests a gradual but meaningful change. Beyond his interactions with Momo-chan, Punch has also been seen socialising more broadly — being groomed by other monkeys and carried on their backs, behaviour consistent with natural social bonding and group integration.
When zoo staff first introduced the plush toy, the intention had always been temporary. Zoo director Shigekazu Mizushina had previously said the toy was provided to support Punch’s emotional development and encourage independence — a goal that now appears to be quietly becoming a reality.
