A young Japanese macaque named Punch has gone viral worldwide after videos showed him tightly holding on to a stuffed orangutan toy.
Clips and photos of the tiny monkey dragging the oversized plushie have spread rapidly across X and TikTok, winning hearts across the globe.
The emotional moment has even transformed an unexpected item into a global bestseller — an orange orangutan plush toy from Swedish furniture giant IKEA.
Lord please take away all of Punch pain away and give it to Diddy instead pic.twitter.com/Vn3tf0I0RB
— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) February 19, 2026
Who Is Punch the Monkey?
Punch was born at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture in July 2025. Abandoned by his mother soon after birth, the young macaque struggled to integrate with the rest of the troop. Viral videos show him cautiously approaching older monkeys in search of comfort, only to be pushed away or ignored.
Reject at birth, Punch, Ichikawa City Zoo pic.twitter.com/KioGmShp0f
— Ink Blot (@inkblotistan) February 19, 2026
Zoo staff eventually stepped in to hand-raise him and provided an IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush as a source of comfort — a toy Punch is now rarely seen without.
In one particularly touching clip, he can be seen crawling around while desperately trying to make the stuffed orangutan “hug” him back — a moment that viewers have described as both adorable and heartbreaking.
What Is Punch’s Orange Plush?
As Punch’s story spread around the world, many viewers began asking the same question: where did the toy come from? The answer caught many by surprise. The plush is IKEA’s DJUNGELSKOG orangutan — a soft toy from the brand’s wildlife-themed children’s collection. Created to be cuddly and flexible, it has long arms that allow it to “hang” or cling, much like real apes in trees.
The DJUNGELSKOG range has become one of IKEA’s most recognizable plush lines globally, alongside other viral favourites such as its shark toy. The orangutan plush measures about 66 cm in length and is primarily made of polyester fibres, with embroidered facial details designed for safety and durability.
After Punch’s story gained traction, IKEA representatives reportedly visited the zoo and donated additional plush toys to ensure he would always have one nearby. The thoughtful gesture only deepened online affection for both Punch and the toy, with fans affectionately dubbing it “Oran-Mama.”
How Much It Cost?
In the United States, the DJUNGELSKOG orangutan is generally priced at around $19.99 (approximately ₹1,650), making it a fairly affordable buy despite its newfound viral fame. The price point has been widely referenced in global reports following Punch’s story.
In India, availability depends on location and stock levels. IKEA India listings show some variants of the plush starting at about ₹842, though the final price may vary based on size and regional supply. Meanwhile, online resellers have occasionally marked up the toy due to the surge in demand sparked by the viral trend.
Manisha Chauhan is a passionate journalist with 3 years of experience in the media industry, covering everything from trending entertainment buzz and celebrity spotlights to thought-provoking book reviews and practical health tips. Known for blending fresh perspectives with reader-friendly writing, she creates content that informs, entertains, and inspires. When she’s not chasing the next viral story, you’ll find her diving into a good book or exploring new wellness trends.
