Baby monkey ‘Punch’ carries a stuffed toy as companion in Japan zoo
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Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 16:57 UTC
Rights group slams treatment of Punch, the viral Japanese monkey
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developmentsPunch became an internet sensation after videos emerged of him getting bullied by other monkeys in a Japanese zoo. Punch, a baby macaque abandoned by its mother, shot to stardom after being pictured getting bullied by other monkeys and seeking comfort from the orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo outside Tokyo. Meanwhile, Swedish interior furnishings giant IKEA, the maker of the orangutan soft toy, said it was seeing “unprecedented” interest and “significantly” higher sales than usual. The zoo said it had set up a “restricted zone” around part of the monkey enclosure to reduce stress for the animals. In an update on Punch’s plight on Feb 22 , the zoo said he “was meticulously groomed by two monkeys and is steadily fitting into the group”.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 16:52 UTC
How Punch the baby macaque turned an IKEA stuffed toy into a global sensation
IKEA Singapore has sold out its Djungelskog orangutan plushie across its physical and online stores, after a viral baby macaque in Japan named Punch captured hearts worldwide. Meanwhile, IKEA Spain shared an image of Punch alongside the plush toy with the caption, “There's more than one mother. The earlier peak was driven by posts of Punch seeking comfort in his stuffed toy, while the latter was fuelled by news of IKEA donating a plush to Punch. Other key phrases include "Ichikawa City Zoo", "Baby monkey", "Orangutan toy" and "Viral baby monkey Punch". Towards the end of 2024, hygiene brand Lifebuoy collaborated with Moo Deng in an ad titled "Confessions of Moo Deng".
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 16:02 UTC
Japanese Zoo Creates Stress-Free Zone For Monkeys After Viral Punch Video Sparks Concern
After a video of a "monkey punch" went viral, the Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Japan has taken steps to reduce stress for its monkeys. They stated that this decision was made to reduce stress for the monkeys. Earlier, the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens issued a statement regarding the video of Punch that went viral on the internet. Through that statement they put the light on the viral monkey Punch. They mentioned, "The adult monkey that dragged Punch is probably the mother of the monkey with whom Punch tried to communicate.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 15:28 UTC
IKEA sells out viral orangutan plushie favored by Punch, the abandoned monkey
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Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 15:02 UTC
Tinubu removes Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police
President Bola Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun from office as the Inspector-General of Police. Tinubu was said to have asked Egbetokun to step aside during a meeting they had at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga also did not take his calls when contacted. Sources within the police hierarchy hinted that a successor may have been identified, although no official statement had been issued as of the time of filing this report. In 2024, the IG’s continued stay in office sparked widespread controversy after Egbetokun officially reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 15:01 UTC
Why Egbetokun resigned as IG – Presidency
The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police. It said the former police boss resigned from office, citing family issues that require his undivided attention. However, another source at the Villa confirmed that Egbetokun was specifically summoned that evening by the President. Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 13:59 UTC
CBN cuts benchmark interest rate to 26.5% amid easing inflat
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has reduced the benchmark interest rate to 26.5% per cent. This was the second time the MPC would be cutting rates under the current leadership of the apex bank. The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision on Tuesday at the end of the committee’s 304th meeting in Abuja. Looking ahead, Cardoso said the outlook suggests that “the current momentum of domestic disinflation will continue in the near term,” supported by exchange rate stability and improved food supply. The move followed a 50-basis-point cut implemented in September 2025 and a hold at the previous MPC briefing in November 2025.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 13:22 UTC
2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift Vs Tata Punch ICE: Design, Interior, Features, Powertrain, And Price Compared
Tata Motors offers the Punch in two very different avatars, the regular petrol-powered Punch (ICE) and the recently updated Punch EV facelift. The Punch EV facelift, on the other hand, gets a cleaner and more futuristic fascia. Our Opinion: The Punch EV facelift looks more premium, thanks to the cleaner and more minimalist fascia. The Punch EV is considered a smaller alternative to EVs like the MG Windsor EV, Tata Nexon EV, or the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. However, the Tata Punch (ICE) continues to be the more affordable and flexible option.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 13:11 UTC
Viral Punch the monkey IKEA toy sells for hundreds on eBay
ETAn IKEA plushie that's been dragged around a Japanese zoo enclosure by a viral baby macaque is selling for hundreds of dollars on eBay after selling out online. The statement continued: “In the video, Punch runs to his stuffed orangutan toy after being dragged. However, as usual, he left the stuffed toy after a short while and was communicating with other monkeys.”Before the incident, the Scandinavian furniture store donated IKEA stuffed animals for Punch and other animals at the zoo. On Feb. 17, Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka posted a photo on X alongside IKEA Japan President Petra Färe with IKEA stuffed animals for the baby monkey and other zoo animals. USA TODAY found several listings for the toy on eBay, where it's now being sold for hundreds of dollars.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 10:50 UTC
Key things we liked & disliked about 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift
2026 Tata Punch EV: What we liked Here are the facts that we liked about the 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift. 2026 Tata Punch EV: Range optimisation The 2026 Tata Punch EV gets 30 kWh and 40 kWh battery packs, upgraded from the pre-facelift version's 25 kWh and 35 kWh units. 2026 Tata Punch EV: BaaS plan The 2026 Tata Punch EV is available with a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan for the first time. 2026 Tata Punch EV: Paddle shifters for regen adjustment The 2026 Tata Punch EV comes with paddle shifters for regen adjustment, which is an interesting feature. 2026 Tata Punch EV: What we disliked Here are the facts that we disliked about the 2026 Tata Punch EV facelift.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 10:28 UTC
JUST IN: AGF withdraws forgery charge against Ozekhome
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has withdrawn the criminal charge filed against senior advocate, Mike Ozekhome, over alleged forgery. Following the application, which was not opposed by the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), the court struck out the three-count charge against Ozekhome. Ozekhome had been arraigned on allegations bordering on forgery and other related offences in a case initially instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The PUNCH reports that the ICPC filed a three-count criminal charge against Ozekhome at the FCT High Court in Abuja, accusing him of alleged fraud, forgery and use of false documents in connection with a disputed property in London. He said the Attorney General was guided by public interest considerations and the need to instill confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice system.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 10:09 UTC
Convention: APC may settle for Yilwatda, Basiru
The national convention scheduled for March will culminate in the election of members of the NWC. Most current NWC members were elected in August 2023, while Yilwatda assumed office as National Chairman in July 2025. The source stated: “What I can tell you now is that the matter concerning the National Secretary and the National Chairman has been settled. I also wish that, by way of consensus, the national chairman be returned, and the national secretary be returned. Convention committee inauguration holds WednesdayThe APC, on Monday, scheduled the inauguration of the 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 09:38 UTC
Oil revenue row: Presidency defends Tinubu as legal titans split over Executive Order
However, protests have continued o mount over the executive order, with a cross-section of senior advocates faulting the President’s decision. “Executive order is like instruments to give effect to executive decisions and laws. So any attempt to amend an executive order is nothing but a nullity, and it is to that extent ineffective. “An Executive Order is never meant to contradict the law but to further it and make the law workable.”According to him, any Executive Order that contradicts an existing statute would be invalid. He said, “The Executive Order will, among other things, enhance transparency and operational integrity of the revenue accrued.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 07:02 UTC
Japan Zoo Sees 6,000 Visitors as Punch Keeps Making Friends
Oran Mama and ReintegrationOne of the keepers also shared a bit more about Punch’s comfort routine, and it is both practical and unexpectedly tender. He has two plush surrogate toys, affectionately nicknamed “Oran Mama” by fans online. He still turns to Oran Mama when he is tired or needs reassurance, but he is no longer inseparable from it. The zoo has also pointed out that male macaques often move between groups, while females typically remain within their family lines. Since Punch is male, this period of adjustment may be less unusual than it appears in viral clips.
Source:Punch
February 24, 2026 06:52 UTC