advertisementUnable to integrate immediately into the troop’s social structure, Punch found comfort in an unusual companion, a plush orangutan toy given by a zookeeper. Even as he interacts with other monkeys, the toy remains close by, acting as a source of emotional security. The research revealed that emotional comfort is as important as physical survival in development. The plush toy acts as what psychologists call a “transitional object,” something that helps an individual cope with stress, uncertainty, or loneliness. Punch’s story highlights a broader truth about human and animal psychology: early relationships shape how individuals handle fear, belonging, and change.

Source: Punch February 16, 2026 19:17 UTC