Punch the baby macaque, whose attachment to a stuffed orangutan first captured hearts online, is once again going viral—this time for refusing to leave his favorite person behind.
In two TikTok videos shared by users mr__5o0 and tate_punch the young monkey can be seen clinging tightly to a zoo feeder as he walks through the enclosure distributing food to other macaques.
While the rest of the troop gathers for a meal, Punch wraps his arms and legs around the keeper seemingly torn between hunger and staying close to his trusted companion.
The clips have racked up thousands of reactions with viewers charmed by the tiny primate’s loyalty.
Punch, also known as Panchi-kun, was born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan and was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth.
According to TODAY, zookeepers stepped in to raise him and provided a plush orangutan toy after he began showing signs of anxiety and isolation.
The toy became a constant companion with social media users sharing emotional clips of Punch carrying and cuddling it for comfort.
As TODAY reported, by early February the zoo shared that Punch had, “gradually made connections and interactions with the troop of monkeys,” though, “there are still times when he gets scolded, but while learning the rules of the group,” according to a translated update posted on X.
The new TikTok footage suggests another layer to Punch’s social world: his close bond with a specific handler affectionately dubbed “Punch Daddy” by fans online. In the clips Punch appears reluctant to let go even as food is offered nearby prioritizing contact over snacks.
Social media contributors flooded the comments with emotional reactions.
“Protect him always,” one TikTok viewer declared.
Another commented, “I love how one keeper is holding him and the other is holding his toy.”
An individual cooed: “My poor baby wants love more than food.”
Punch’s story has drawn international attention. IKEA donated stuffed animals to the zoo after identifying Punch’s plush companion as one of its toys.
The Swedish company confirmed that its Japan team contacted the zoo to ask how to best support the young macaque and later delivered additional soft toys and storage items.
The zoo has also seen a rise in visitors amid Punch’s online fame as fans follow his progress integrating into the troop. Earlier videos showed him being dragged by a larger monkey before running to clutch his stuffed orangutan sparking concern and the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.
The latest clips present a softer moment—one where Punch appears secure enough to demand affection in broad daylight even if it means delaying lunch.
While it remains unclear how fully Punch has settled into the troop, the steady updates and posts continue to draw viewers invested in his development.
For now the tiny macaque’s choice to cling to his handler rather than rush for food has deepened the internet’s attachment to the little monkey who seems to crave connection above all else.
Newsweek has reached out to mr__5o0 and tate_punch for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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