A baby macaque named Punch has become an internet sensation, drawing visitors to the zoo in Ichikawa, Japan, after being abandoned by its mother. Punch's situation has garnered attention on social media platforms, especially X, where images of the monkey clinging to a plush orangutan have gone viral. This phenomenon highlights the impact of social media on animal welfare and the public's fascination with unique animal stories.

Punch was born in July, and it has been reported that the mother has shown little interest in caring for her young. Speculation exists that the neglect may be related to Punch being her first offspring or possibly due to increased stress from heat during the summer months. Macaque infants typically depend on their mothers for comfort and strength during their early stages of life, making Punch's abandonment particularly concerning. Zookeepers have made efforts to find suitable alternatives for Punch to bond with, trying various items before the infant chose to cuddle the plush toy.

The situation raises questions about animal parenting in captivity and how zoos manage unexpected situations involving newborns. Animal enthusiasts and visitors to the zoo reflect a growing trend where personal connections to wildlife stories online amplify physical visitation at facilities like zoos. Punch's journey from an abandoned infant to a star attraction underlines how emotional narratives can drive awareness and deeper engagement with animal conservation efforts.