Thousands of birthday wishes are pouring in for Punch the monkey, who went viral around the world, on its first birthday.
Punch, a monkey born on July 26, 2026, at a zoo in Ichikawa, Japan, was left alone and uncared for by its mother.
Deprived of its mother’s affection, the baby monkey suffered in loneliness. Following this, the zoo authorities gave Punch an orange-colored ‘orangutan’ toy to comfort it.
Punch, which always went around hugging the toy, thought of it as its mother and dragged it along wherever it went.
The orphaned monkey’s close bond with a toy won everyone’s hearts. Videos of Punch the monkey’s antics went viral around the world.
Last February, the management of the Ichikawa Zoological Park began posting videos on social media showing Punch struggling in his attempts to join his monkey troop. Following this, Punch developed a dedicated fan base under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.
People from many countries began visiting the zoo to see Punch the monkey.
In this context, Punch the monkey celebrated its first birthday yesterday. Thousands of fans from around the world have sent greeting cards to the monkey.
To mark the occasion, the Ichikawa Zoo has set up a special display featuring birthday wishes, photographs, and videos documenting Punch’s journey over the past year.
Zoo officials said about Punch, “Punch’s tendency to turn toward the orangutan doll has gradually decreased. It has become accustomed to talking and playing with the other baby monkeys. It is strengthening its place as a member of that group.”