An orphaned infant monkey in Japan has captured the hearts of the internet after images surfaced of him clinging to a soft, plush surrogate doll for comfort.
The six-month-old monkey, affectionately named Punch, was rejected by his mother shortly after his birth last July, according to BBC.
Left without maternal warmth, the tiny primate found solace in the arms of a stuffed toy monkey, which has become his constant companion and primary source of security.
Since his arrival, Punch has been under the dedicated care of staff at the Ichikawa City Zoo. Because he lacked a natural mother to raise him, zookeepers stepped in to provide round-the-clock attention.
These services include ensuring the infant receives the proper nutrition required for a growing macaque. The zookeepers monitored his development to ensure he remains healthy despite his lonely start in life, according to British news outlet Metro.
Since baby monkeys naturally spend their first months glued to their mothers’ fur, the zoo team knew Punch needed something soft to hold onto. Without a mother to hug, the little macaque was given a variety of toys to choose from.
He didn’t pick just any toy, he chose a bright orange plush orangutan. Now, the two are inseparable; wherever Punch goes, his fluffy orange “best friend” goes too. The brown plush toy was used to mimic the physical contact essential for primate development, providing emotional support.
This adorable duo has turned Punch into a global internet sensation.
Heartwarming photos of the tiny monkey snuggling and napping, his oversized companion around the enclosure, have gone viral, proving that everyone needs a friend to lean on.
“The stuffed animal was a surrogate mother to him. Even when scolded by other monkeys, he quickly recovers. He’s mentally strong,” Kosuke Shikano told the outlet.
Online, the reactions were no short of love.
Joan Walker on Instagram wrote, “So adorable.”
Another, Kevin Smith, added, “Everyone needs love.”