There’s Good News: A Japan zoo’s monkey named Punch and his special friend – a stuffed orangutan – go viral

ICHIKAWA, Japan (KTVZ) -- A 6-month-old Japanese monkey named Punch is gaining international attention at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo after finding comfort in a plush orangutan toy.

Punch was provided with the toy as a surrogate mother after being abandoned at birth.

Zookeepers at the facility have provided care for the monkey day and night since his mother left him. The stuffed toy serves as a safe place for Punch and acts as a stand-in for the comfort of his mother's fur.

Beyond his initial abandonment, the young primate faced social challenges within the zoo's enclosure. Punch was subjected to bullying from other monkeys in the troop during his first months of life.

The monkey's story has since gained significant attention, with thousands of people online and offline offering support.

Supporters have followed his development as he navigates the zoo environment with his surrogate companion.

Punch has recently begun the process of joining the rest of the monkey troop. While he still clings to the plush orangutan, he has started to stand up to the monkeys that previously bullied him.