The story of Punch, a baby macaque monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has captured hearts worldwide, and now, the Swedish furniture giant IKEA is stepping in to offer some comfort. After videos circulated showing Punch finding solace in a stuffed orangutan – specifically IKEA’s Djungelskog plush toy – the company has donated a substantial number of stuffed animals to the zoo, ensuring Punch and his fellow primates have plenty of cuddly companions.
The heartwarming tale began after Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth in July 2025. Zoo staff intervened, raising the infant monkey and providing him with the Djungelskog orangutan to help ease his loneliness. Videos quickly went viral, showing Punch clinging to the plush toy as a source of security and comfort, treating it much like a mother figure. The images resonated deeply with viewers, prompting an outpouring of support for the little monkey.
IKEA Responds to Viral Appeal
On February 17, Petra Fare, President and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Japan, visited Ichikawa City Zoo to personally deliver the donation. Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka shared a photo of the visit on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing Fare surrounded by a large collection of stuffed animals intended for Punch and the other monkeys. The post quickly gained traction, further amplifying the story’s reach. Spot the photo here.
The gesture wasn’t limited to Japan. IKEA’s social media accounts globally joined in the celebration of Punch’s story. The IKEA Spain X account posted an edited image of the Djungelskog toy embracing Punch, even as IKEA Switzerland’s Instagram account shared a similar image featuring their Sandlöpare stuffed chimpanzee holding the beloved orangutan. These posts demonstrate the widespread impact of Punch’s story and IKEA’s willingness to engage with its audience on a personal level.
More Than Just a Toy: Understanding Punch’s Situation
While the story is undeniably heartwarming, recent events have highlighted the challenges Punch still faces as he integrates into the monkey troop. A video posted on February 19 showed a larger monkey seemingly “scolding” Punch, dragging him around the enclosure before he sought refuge with his stuffed toy. Ichikawa City Zoo addressed the incident in a statement on X, explaining that the adult monkey was likely reacting to Punch’s attempts to interact with her infant. The zoo emphasized that this behavior is a form of discipline within the troop and encouraged supporters to focus on Punch’s resilience and efforts to connect with others.
“While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength,” the zoo’s statement read. “When you observe these disciplinary behaviors from other troop members toward Punch, when he tries to communicate with them, we would like you to support Punch’s efforts, rather than feel sorry for him.”
How to Support Punch – and Receive Your Own Djungelskog
Born on July 26, 2025, Punch’s story underscores the importance of providing comfort and security to vulnerable animals. The zoo staff’s decision to offer him a stuffed toy proved remarkably effective, and IKEA’s generous donation ensures that Punch will have a constant source of companionship. For those inspired by Punch’s story and wishing to offer their own support, the Djungelskog soft toy orangutan is available for purchase at IKEA stores and on the IKEA website for $20. You can find it here.
The zoo continues to monitor Punch’s progress and provide updates on his integration into the troop. As he navigates the complexities of monkey social dynamics, his beloved stuffed orangutan remains a steadfast companion, a testament to the power of comfort and connection. The Ichikawa City Zoo plans to continue sharing updates on Punch’s development on their X account, providing ongoing insight into his journey.
What began as a story of abandonment and loneliness has blossomed into a global phenomenon, demonstrating the universal appeal of compassion and the unexpected ways in which comfort can be found. The zoo will continue to assess Punch’s social interactions and provide updates as he grows and develops.
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