Baby Macaque Punch Bonds with Companion at Japanese Zoo

A seven-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch has captured renewed attention at Ichikawa City Zoo outside Tokyo after videos emerged showing him forming a close bond with a female companion in his enclosure. The footage, recorded by visitors and shared widely on social media starting March 15, depicts the young monkey playing, cuddling, and appearing to kiss the other macaque, whom fans have nicknamed Momochan for her peach-like orange-tinted fur.

Punch, born on July 26, 2025, was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, prompting zookeepers to hand-rear him and introduce a stuffed orange orangutan toy to mimic natural clinging behavior. The plush became his constant companion, leading to viral videos in February 2026 that showed him clutching it amid interactions with the troop. Those clips drew millions of views online, sparking global sympathy as Punch appeared isolated and reliant on the toy for comfort.

Zoo officials have clarified that the earlier scenes of Punch being pushed away or scolded by other monkeys reflected normal social discipline in macaque groups, rather than abuse. "In the strictly hierarchical society of Japanese macaques, it is not uncommon for...