Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. This is an emotional story from Japan that has touched millions of hearts worldwide — the story of a baby monkey named Punch.
Punch, a Japanese macaque, was born in July 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo. But instead of beginning his life in the warmth of his mother’s arms, he faced a heartbreaking challenge. Shortly after birth, his mother abandoned him.
For newborn macaques, a mother’s lap is not just love — it is life itself. Baby monkeys cling tightly to their mothers for body warmth, protection, milk, and emotional bonding. Without that constant contact and warmth, survival becomes extremely difficult.
Due to the lack of his mother’s body heat and care, Punch became weak and seriously ill. Zoo caretakers reported that he was in critical condition during his early days, struggling to survive. At one point, his life was nearly at risk.
Realizing the danger, the zoo’s animal care team immediately stepped in. They provided medical treatment, constant monitoring, and hand-feeding to save the fragile newborn. But they understood that physical treatment alone was not enough — he also needed emotional comfort.
So, the caretakers gave him a soft baby doll — a large stuffed orangutan toy — to replace the feeling of a mother’s embrace. And something remarkable happened.
Punch began hugging the doll tightly. He clung to it day and night, slept with it, and ran back to it whenever he felt scared or lonely. The toy became his source of warmth and security — almost like a substitute mother.
Visitors captured these touching moments on camera. Videos of the tiny monkey hugging his doll spread rapidly across social media, drawing sympathy from people around the world. Millions expressed sadness and compassion, saying the story reminded them of the irreplaceable value of a mother’s love.
Zoo officials now report hopeful progress. Punch is slowly gaining strength and beginning to interact with other young monkeys. Though the journey has not been easy, he is gradually learning to find his place within the troop.
Punch’s story is not just about a baby monkey. It is a reminder that love, warmth, and emotional connection are essential for every life — human or animal.
