FEBRUARY 24, 2026 — The internet has been buzzing for months about Punch, the baby macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan who clung to his stuffed orangutan after being rejected by his mother. Born in July 2025, Punch became a viral sensation when videos showed him dragging his plush toy around, looking lost and lonely. Filipinos, like many others worldwide, couldn’t help but root for him — sharing memes, comments, and even “kuya” energy online, as if we were all his protective older siblings.

Now, there’s good news! Punch is slowly being accepted by his troop. On January 19, 2026, he was introduced to the other monkeys, and while the start was rough — different fur color, smell, and delayed vocalization made him stand out — recent videos show him hugging, playing, and even being groomed by older monkeys. One clip of the adult monkey Onsing wrapping Punch in a long embrace melted hearts across social media. It’s the kind of moment that makes you believe in second chances.

The story has gone beyond just cute animal content. Punch has become a tourism magnet, drawing record crowds to the zoo. Fans from Japan and abroad line up just to see him with his stuffed orangutan, proving how much people crave stories of resilience and belonging. 

In fact, the hype has gotten so big that influencer Tristan Tate even offered $250,000 to buy Punch from the zoo — a move that sparked debate online about whether viral fame should ever translate into ownership of a living creature.

For us here in the Philippines, Punch’s journey hits differently. We know what it’s like to cheer for the underdog, to rally behind someone who’s been left out, and to celebrate when they finally find their place. His story is a reminder that acceptance doesn’t always come easy, but with patience and care, even the most fragile can thrive.

And maybe that’s why Filipinos are so invested. Punch isn’t just a monkey in Japan — he’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the universal need for belonging. If a baby macaque can go from isolation to being embraced by his troop, then maybe we too can find comfort in the idea that no one is truly meant to be alone.

If millions of people can cheer for a baby monkey’s journey to be accepted, what’s stopping us from showing that same kind of compassion to one another in our everyday lives? Think about that.

(Image: @fubiz | Instagram)