Hang In There,
Punch-kun!

Punch-kun is a baby Japanese macaque (snow monkey) born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He became a global viral sensation after videos of him cuddling an IKEA Djungelskog orangutan plush toy reached tens of millions of views on TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter). His hashtag #HangInTherePunch trended worldwide.

Punch-kun's mother abandoned him shortly after birth, likely due to a difficult birth during an extreme heatwave in July 2025. Mother primates sometimes reject infants when birth is complicated or when they experience severe environmental stress. Zoo staff stepped in immediately to provide care.

The IKEA Djungelskog is an orangutan plush toy that zoo staff gave to Punch-kun for emotional support after his abandonment. Punch-kun was photographed and filmed clinging to the plushie, which became the defining image of his story and broke millions of hearts worldwide. IKEA reportedly saw a massive surge in sales of this specific plush as a result of Punch-kun's viral fame.

Ichikawa City Zoo (市川市動植物園) is located in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, near Tokyo. Due to Punch-kun's global fame, the zoo has experienced a major tourism surge — a phenomenon now called 'Punch Tourism' — with fans from around the world making pilgrimages to see him in person.

As of March 2026, Punch-kun is doing well and making positive progress! Zoo staff report he is beginning to make friends within the troop, being groomed by adult monkeys (a strong sign of social acceptance), using his beloved IKEA plushie less often, and gaining confidence daily. Earlier concerns arose in February 2026 when he was bullied during reintegration, but zoo officials stated he was not in immediate danger.

#HangInTherePunch is the global hashtag that trended worldwide as Punch-kun's story captured hearts internationally. It was used by millions of fans on TikTok, Instagram, X (Twitter), and other platforms to show support for the little macaque. The hashtag became one of the most recognized animal welfare hashtags of 2025–2026.

In February 2026, zoo staff began reintegrating Punch-kun with the larger macaque troop as part of standard primate socialization practice. During this process, he was dragged and swatted by larger monkeys, which sparked global outrage and concern. The zoo responded by explaining that some social friction is normal during primate reintegration and that isolation would cause far greater long-term psychological harm.

Yes! By March 2026, Punch-kun is making real, heartwarming progress. He has started making friends within the troop, is being groomed by adult monkeys, and is reaching developmental milestones. He's using his IKEA plushie less often as he grows more socially engaged. NPR, Euronews, and US News have all featured positive progress reports.

Yes! Ichikawa City Zoo is open to visitors. Due to Punch-kun's enormous fame, the zoo has implemented visitor rules to manage the surge in 'Punch Tourism.' Visitors from dozens of countries have made the trip to see him. Check Ichikawa City Zoo's official website for current visiting hours and any visitor guidelines.

Scientists and primatologists are largely united that social reintegration — while sometimes involving difficult periods — is far better for long-term primate wellbeing than isolation. Studies show that primates raised in isolation suffer severe psychological harm. The scientific community has largely supported Ichikawa City Zoo's gradual reintegration approach, while calling for careful monitoring.

The best ways to help are: (1) Sign the petition — we deliver signatures to Ichikawa City Zoo every single day. (2) Share Punch's story on social media using #HangInTherePunch and #FreePunch. (3) If you're near Tokyo, visit the zoo and show your support. (4) Stay informed and share news updates about his progress.

Simply scroll up or click the 'Sign the Petition' button on this page. It takes you to our Tally form where you can add your name in under 30 seconds. The petition is delivered to Ichikawa City Zoo every single day. Every single signature counts — we've already gathered signatures from over 40 countries!