A stuffed orangutan from Ikea has sold out in Canada after being featured with Punch, a baby macaque at a Japanese zoo, who gained popularity through social media.
A plush orangutan from Ikea has sold out in Canadian stores following the viral fame of Punch, an abandoned baby macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. After being left by his mother at birth, the young macaque was raised by zoo staff and initially given a stuffed orangutan as a surrogate mother figure to provide him comfort. Punch's story captured the hearts of many online when a video showed him dragging the plush toy around his enclosure, highlighting his attachment to the stuffed animal.
Punch's popularity surged after another viral video showed him hugging the plush orangutan after an encounter with older macaques. This heartwarming moment was further amplified by Ikea, which shared a post on social media featuring Punch with a caption declaring, "We’re ALL Punch’s family now." The stuffed animal, which is a part of Ikea’s Djungelskog line, was priced at $14.99 in Canada, demonstrating the quick and widespread consumer response to Punch's story and the emotional connection it inspired.
The demand for Punch's plush orangutan not only reflects the power of social media in shaping trends but also highlights the increasing interest in animal welfare and the stories behind rescued animals. As consumers resonate with Punch's journey and the role of the plush toy in his rehabilitation, the sold-out status of this item may lead to discussions around the importance of comfort for abandoned and vulnerable animals across various platforms.
