While the rest of the troop gathers for a meal, Punch wraps his arms and legs around the keeper seemingly torn between hunger<\/a> and staying close to his trusted companion.<\/p>\n The clips have racked up thousands of reactions with viewers charmed by the tiny primate<\/a>\u2019s loyalty.<\/p>\n Punch, also known as Panchi-kun, was born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan<\/a> and was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to TODAY<\/a>, zookeepers stepped in to raise him and provided a plush orangutan<\/a> toy<\/a> after he began showing signs of anxiety<\/a> and isolation.<\/p>\n The toy became a constant companion with social media<\/a> users sharing emotional clips of Punch<\/a> carrying and cuddling it for comfort.<\/p>\n As TODAY reported, by early February the zoo shared that Punch had, \u201cgradually made connections and interactions with the troop of monkeys,\u201d though, \u201cthere are still times when he gets scolded, but while learning the rules<\/a> of the group,\u201d according to a translated update posted on X.<\/p>\n The new TikTok<\/a> footage suggests another layer to Punch\u2019s social world: his close bond with a specific handler affectionately dubbed \u201cPunch Daddy\u201d by fans online. In the clips Punch appears reluctant to let go even as food is offered nearby prioritizing contact over snacks.<\/p>\n Social media contributors flooded the comments with emotional<\/a> reactions.<\/p>\n \u201cProtect him always,\u201d one TikTok viewer declared.<\/p>\n Another commented, \u201cI love<\/a> how one keeper is holding him and the other is holding his toy.\u201d<\/p>\n An individual cooed: \u201cMy poor baby wants love more than food.\u201d<\/p>\n Punch\u2019s story has drawn international attention. IKEA donated stuffed animals<\/a> to the zoo after identifying Punch\u2019s plush companion as one of its toys.<\/p>\n The Swedish<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The zoo has also seen a rise in visitors amid Punch\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The latest clips present a softer moment\u2014one where Punch appears secure enough to demand affection in broad daylight even if it means delaying lunch.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For now the tiny macaque\u2019s choice to cling to his handler rather than rush for food has deepened the internet\u2019s attachment to the little monkey who seems to crave connection above all else.<\/p>\n Newsweek has reached out to mr__5o0 and tate_punch for comment via TikTok<\/a>. We could not verify the details of the case.<\/p>\n To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1772022069_790_GettyImages-2262074299.jpg\"\/)
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