The internet first met Punch as a tiny macaque holding onto a toy for dear comfort. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Punch, the viral macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has found a new companion in a female macaque believed to be named Momo-chan. In a charming twist, Punch’s now-famous stuffed toy also makes a cameo in some of these clips. Zoo director Shigekazu Mizushina explained that the toy was meant to encourage independence over time, as Punch gradually adapted to his environment. While many online assumed he had been rejected or bullied, the zoo has maintained that this wasn’t the case.

Source: Punch March 17, 2026 16:56 UTC