Abandoned monkey at Japan zoo finds comfort in stuffed animal

ICHIKAWA, Jpn. (KTVZ) A seven-month-old macaque monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan has formed a friendship with a fellow primate named Moe. The development follows a period where the young monkey, named Punch, relied on a stuffed animal for comfort after being abandoned by his mother.

Punch previously gained international attention after videos of him carrying the plush toy went viral. Zoo officials confirmed the toy served as a "comfort-device" for the macaque, who had faced bullying from other monkeys in his enclosure after his mother left him.

The Ichikawa City Zoo reported that Punch is now successfully integrating with the other macaques. He has been observed hugging and playing with his enclosure mates rather than relying on the stuffed toy for support. Officials at the zoo identified Moe as the new "best friend" for the young primate. Punch has frequently been seen clinging to Moe during their interactions in the enclosure.

The transition marks a change from the behavior that first made Punch an internet sensation. Videos of the baby macaque toting his stuffed animal everywhere took the internet by storm before the zoo explained the somber reality behind the footage. Officials confirmed the plushie was a "comfort-device" used to cope with his social isolation.