Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan is experiencing a surge in visitors after a baby macaque monkey named Punch formed an unusual bond with a plush orangutan toy, prompting a donation of numerous stuffed animals from IKEA Japan.
Born at the zoo on July 26, 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother, who showed no interest in caring for him. Zoo officials provided him with the stuffed orangutan to address his resulting anxiety and isolation, a move that quickly resonated with audiences worldwide after videos of the pair circulated online. The toy, identified as IKEA’s Djungelskog model, has turn into a source of comfort for Punch as he navigates integration with the zoo’s other macaques.
Footage has emerged showing Punch clinging to the plush toy while playing, resting, and exploring, and even seeking refuge with it when confronted by other monkeys. A recent video shared on social media depicted an adult monkey dragging Punch around before the infant fled to hide behind a rock with his orangutan companion.
The story gained further momentum on February 17, when Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka shared a photograph on X (formerly Twitter) featuring Petra Färe, President of IKEA Japan, surrounded by a collection of IKEA stuffed animals intended for Punch and other animals at the zoo. The donation included multiple replacement Djungelskog orangutans, as well as other plush toys.
“A little monkey (Punch-kun) who’s been working hard and growing all by himself has become so beloved that many people now cheer him on with ‘Ganbare Punch-kun!’ when they observe him together with his stuffed toy, treating it like his mother,” Tanaka wrote in a translated post accompanying the image.
IKEA’s involvement extends beyond the donation, with the company’s global social media accounts actively engaging with the story. IKEA Spain posted an edited image of the Djungelskog hugging Punch on X, and IKEA Switzerland’s Instagram featured its Sandlöpare stuffed chimpanzee holding the orangutan toy.
The Djungelskog orangutan is currently available for purchase in IKEA stores and online for $20, according to multiple reports. The toy measures approximately 66 cm in length and is constructed primarily from polyester fibers, with embroidered facial features designed for durability and safety.
The zoo has noted a significant increase in visitor numbers, a phenomenon reminiscent of the “Moo Deng effect,” where animal popularity drives tourism. As of February 19, 2026, Ichikawa City Zoo had not released official visitor statistics related to Punch’s increased profile.
