If your heart needed a little boost in 2026, meet Punch — the baby macaque who has become an unexpected viral superstar.
Punch lives at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, where he’s captured global attention for one very adorable reason: he’s rarely seen without his beloved stuffed orangutan. The plush companion was given to Punch after he was abandoned by his mother at birth and raised by dedicated zoo staff.
While the images are undeniably sweet, they’ve also tugged at heartstrings. Videos show Punch trying to interact with other young monkeys, and in one clip he’s briefly chased away by an older monkey. But zoo officials say there’s a positive side to the story.
According to the zoo, Punch is showing strong resilience and healthy development. Staff say they hope people will cheer him on rather than feel sorry for him.
And there’s even more good news. After Punch’s story went viral, the president of IKEA Japan visited the zoo and donated a bundle of stuffed animals — ensuring Punch and his animal friends will have plenty of cuddly companions.
Best of all, the zoo reports that Punch is making steady progress and gradually fitting in with the group.
Proof that sometimes the smallest stories bring the biggest smiles. Stay safe, have fun, and be positive.