It seems like every year, there is a new baby animal that steals the hearts of the internet. There was Moo Dang the hippopotamus, Pesto the Penguin and now there’s Punch, the snow monkey and his stuffed toy.
Punch was born in July of 2025 and hand-raised by the zookeepers at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan after Punch was rejected by his mother. Without the comfort and connection of a mother, baby monkeys may struggle to develop at the same pace as their peers, and the zookeepers were determined to help him fit in.
To help Punch, the zoo caretakers tried giving him different objects to help comfort him. Eventually, Punch became attached to a large stuffed orangutan toy, affectionately named “Oran-Mama.” The toy gave him something to latch onto as the other monkeys did with their mother. Punch began carrying the toy everywhere and hugging it when he felt nervous.
Punch and Oran-Mama quickly became viral sensations due to their touching dynamic and ability to make everyone who saw them feel protective. His story became especially popular when the zoo’s social media account posted updates about how Punch was adjusting to life with the other monkeys.
At first, it was very difficult for Punch to fit in with the others, because he did not grow up knowing proper social behavior from his mother. When the other monkeys seemed intimidating and tried to discipline him too much, he would run straight back to the comfort of Oran Mama’s arms for reassurance.
Over time, however, Punch has begun to feel more comfortable around the other monkeys. He has begun to explore the enclosure more, socialize and learn how to be a part of the group. His stuffed companion still helps him when he is scared, but he is learning to grow more independent and braver.
Punch and Oran-Mama’s story has touched thousands of people because it shows that animals need love and support just as much as humans do. Something so simple and unassuming as a stuffed toy can even help a small monkey find the bravery he needed while he learned to grow and adapt.
