Yes—but “girlfriend” is an internet nickname, not a status confirmed by Ichikawa City Zoo. New videos show Punch, a young Japanese macaque at the zoo in Ichikawa, Chiba, hugging, chasing and playing with a female macaque identified in reports as Momo-chan. The footage suggests that Punch has formed an important social bond as he continues joining his troop.
That is a striking change from the images that first made him famous: Punch clinging to an orangutan plush after being rejected by his mother and hand-raised by keepers. By his first birthday, he was reportedly healthy, playing with other monkeys and no longer regularly carrying the toy.
What the “girlfriend” videos actually show
Clips shared in March 2026 show Punch and a female macaque spending close time together. They appear to hug, chase one another and play. Media reports have referred to the female as Momo-chan, or with a similar transliteration.
Those behaviors support a careful conclusion: Punch appears to have found a close companion within the macaque troop. They do not prove a human-style romantic relationship, a sexual relationship or an official “girlfriend” designation. The zoo’s public explanation has focused on Punch’s social development and integration with the troop—not romance.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- A CUTE IMAGE: This fuzzy stuffed elephant is well-designed. It is made of ultra soft plush which has a awesome touch feeling, it won’t hurt kids and add more enjoyment. There are some plastic particles filled in the elephant’s body and arm to sit steadily. It is designed for children of all ages, we are committed to create a magic world for kids.
- EXCELLENT COMPANION FOR KIDS: Our elephant toy is designed to last and to be a constant companion for your little one. Elephant stuffed animals are cuddly and cute toys that play a critical role in the development of a child. They help to improve your kid's physical activity as well as hand-eye coordination. This adorable toy is a good item for kids to stimulate their kids to explore the unknown things and enjoy the wonderful world.
- A PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS: If you are looking for a adorable, funny and hugging elephant stuffed animal for your baby, our cute elephant toy is a great choice. It helps to stimulate imagination and will also be something that your baby takes to bed. Giving the great stuffed animals for your kid can help to build memories, it will be a meaning toy for them. Providing your child with a toy like this is a bonding experience between you and your child.
- A PROPER SIZE TO CARRY: This elephant stuffed animal measures about 9 inches in height which is the perfect size for kids to cuddle with. When they take this plush toy outside, it is very suitable for children to take along in the car and bag, or play it with their friends. And its proper size makes it to be a nice room decoration on the night tables or sofa.
- CONSIDERATIONS: To extend its life time, we advise you can wash it by hand and don’t rub. Put it under the blazing sun and ventilate it for quite a long time. If you have any problems with the product, please contact us though Amazon message in time. We will reply as soon as possible and provide you a satisfying solution. We promise you will be happy with your purchase, and your kids will love it!
So the most accurate version of the viral headline is: Punch’s new friendship has inspired playful “girlfriend” headlines. The quotation marks matter because they distinguish an affectionate internet label from an observed or officially documented animal behavior.
From maternal rejection to a stuffed orangutan
Punch was born at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens on July 26, 2025. His mother rejected or abandoned him shortly after birth, leaving keepers to provide intensive care.
Because a young macaque needs something to grip and cling to, staff offered Punch several possible comfort objects. He gravitated toward a long-limbed orangutan plush. It was easy for him to hold, and its shape resembled another monkey. The toy became a practical substitute gripping and comfort object while he was being raised in an artificial environment.
It is important not to describe the plush as Punch’s literal mother. Nor does the available reporting establish that he was clinically traumatized, depressed or “healed.” The observable facts are more limited—and still compelling: he was separated from maternal care, keepers supplied a toy during his hand-rearing, and he repeatedly chose to cling to it.
Recommended Free Tools
The toy seen in the viral videos
Reporting identified the plush as IKEA’s DJUNGELSKOG orangutan soft toy. IKEA’s U.S. product information lists article number 104.028.41, a 141⁄4-inch polyester orangutan plush with touch-and-close fasteners on its hands and feet. It is listed as machine-washable and recommended for children aged 18 months and older.
That product information identifies the retail model associated with Punch’s story; it does not prove that any toy sold today is the exact individual toy used by the zoo. Availability, seller and condition can also change. Readers looking for the item may search for the IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush, but a retail soft toy is not a substitute for professional wildlife care or a macaque’s social group.
Rank #2
- Premium Plush Toy for Comfort & Snuggles – This extra-soft bunny features floppy ears, expressive eyes, & huge feet, in a gentle sitting pose; an ideal stuffed animal to appeal to kids and collectors
- Emotional Support & Sensory Toy – Burrow is 9-inch bunny plush that promotes bonding, on-the-go comfort, bedtime cuddles and imaginative play—ideal toddler toy for screen-free play with plushies
- Snuggly & Built to Last – With surface-washable materials that stand up to repeated hugs and imaginary pretend play; this teddy bear-style bunny makes cute room decor or nursery bedroom décor
- A heartfelt gift for any age or occasion: Whether it's a baby shower gift, for Easter, birthdays, get-well wishes, or just because, ideal alternative to baby toys, kids toys or for any occasion
- Timeless Quality: For over 30 years, Melissa & Doug have crafted learning toys that are both timeless & built to last, with everything from dolls or a doll house, to building toys, games, puzzles & stuffed animals
Disclosure: This product reference may be eligible for a retailer link if availability and program approval are confirmed. Prices, sellers and stock are not guaranteed.
Punch’s difficult introduction to the troop
After roughly six months of special care, Punch began the process of joining Ichikawa’s Japanese macaque troop in January 2026. Reports described the group as numbering approximately 50 to 60 animals.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Early videos were difficult for viewers to watch. Punch approached other macaques, was scolded or displaced, and sometimes retreated to the orangutan plush. Many people interpreted the footage as bullying and worried that the young monkey was being rejected all over again.
The reality is more complicated. Japanese macaque groups have strict social hierarchies. Chasing, scolding, displacement and other disciplinary interactions can be part of how the troop establishes boundaries. That does not mean every interaction is harmless: the zoo also acknowledged that several high-ranking macaques were frequently aggressive enough to be temporarily removed from the troop.
What the zoo said about the aggression
On March 10, 2026, the zoo issued an English-language clarification addressing the online concern. It said that disciplinary behavior within a Japanese macaque group should not automatically be equated with human abuse. At the same time, the zoo reported that Punch was peaceful for most of the day, that the number of monkeys caring for or playing with him was increasing, and that several frequently aggressive high-ranking animals had been removed temporarily on March 8.
This distinction is useful when watching animal footage online. A short clip can show a real interaction without revealing the group’s wider pattern of behavior, what happened immediately before filming or how keepers are managing the animals. A retreat to the plush may look like a complete social failure, while later footage may show the gradual development of new bonds.
Rank #3
- Give This Puppy Some Hugs: WEIGEDU plush dog toy stuffed animal is made of polyester cotton for unparalleled softness, safety and durability which meet quality standards of united states, therefore soft plush hair brings great hug in falling a sleep for the size, here's a long distance hug to your sweet, granddaughters, grandson, daughter, to congratulations to someone happy birthday, express your miss
- Lots Of Hugs, Lots Of accompany: Loyalty and bravery are the nature of the golden retriever labrador, this cute dog animal toy can be a pretty interactive way for us to interact with our sespecially boy, this furry toy will create a lifetime of memories during the game, also stuffed animal dog can creat bedtime stories, or protection during a bad dream
- Perfect Gifts for All Occasion: This soft plush puppy is perfect for hugging and snuggling, resting on, and bringing smiles and comfort, a great gift for express your miss, sending a little furry, heart-warmer, your way, to bring a smile to your face, to wife, girlfriend, granddaughter on Valentines’ day, birthday, themed party, Christmas, new year good choice for decoration, Comfortable fur and floppy body make this stuffed puppy a cuddly friend and the perfect companion
- Decorate To Bedroom: As a Great Decoration To Your Bedroom For Whom Like The Push Stuffed Animals, The Stuffed Animal Also Can Be A Pillow To Make The Bedroom Look More Extra Charming And Lovely
- WEIGEDU offers high quality and hugs and cuddles plush toys in a variety of adorable animals, whimsical designs, and interactive formats, we won't be beaten on quality, service style or value for money, each one of our plush toys is constructed from premium materials for unparalleled softness, huggable. Whether you're looking for gift, or self-use, you and your family are sure to love the it, whether it's happy or sad, hope this little guy can help you through tough times and enjoy the good time
Why the new friendship matters
For Punch, contact with another macaque represents something different from contact with a human keeper or an inanimate toy. The orangutan plush helped him grip, rest and self-soothe during hand-rearing. A macaque companion can participate in the signals, play and boundary-setting that define life in a troop.
That does not make the videos proof that Punch has reached a particular emotional milestone. It does show a broader social picture than the original viral images suggested. Punch is not defined only by the rejection at his birth or by the plush he carried afterward. He has been observed approaching other macaques, receiving attention from them and participating in play.
The “girlfriend” framing is understandable as a piece of internet storytelling: a lonely baby monkey appears to move from hugging a toy to hugging another monkey. But the more humane story is about social integration, not a romance plot. Punch is learning how to live with his own species.
How Punch changed by his first birthday
Punch turned one on July 26, 2026. Associated reporting said he was healthy, was playing with other monkeys and was no longer regularly carrying the orangutan plush.
The change should not be presented as a guaranteed before-and-after “recovery.” It is simply an encouraging developmental update: the object that had been central to his early care no longer appeared to be a constant part of his daily behavior.
The public response remained enormous. The zoo reportedly received about 2,500 birthday cards and messages. Donations connected to the attention helped fund a new air-conditioning system, according to the birthday coverage.
Rank #4
- Ideal Size : Stuffed animal swan plush soft toys are great companion, weighs 120g /4.2ounces and is filled with pp cotton. The length of a swan stuffed animal toy's head to leg is about 40cm/15.7inch.
- Fine Workmanship : The soft short plush fabric, exquisite embroidery, special color, and full filling of various parts make the cute swan stuffed animal goose plush toy look more lovely and texture.
- Wide Range Of Uses :Goose plush toy can not only be put on the bed, car, sofa for holding, lying down, leaning, but also can be used to decorate the bedroom, which can meet different needs. The stuffed animal for kids swan stuffed animal plush toy is soft and comfortable. You can use this plush animal pillow as your sleeping partner!
- Perfect Gift : Our cute stuffed animal for girls swan stuffed animal toys will be loved by children and adults alike. It's a great gift for family or friends at Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday, graduation or Valentine's day.
- Develop Empathy And Social Skills : With a cuddling, comforting plush toy companion.It also helps to develop empathy and social skills, and not only stimulates children's imagination and interest in the animal world. And by taking care of their swan stuffed animal plush toy, they build bridges with their friends in the future.
The zoo later extended its “#You’re Doing Great, Punch! Everyone’s Messages Exhibition” through August 30, 2026, because so many birthday cards arrived. The zoo’s official notice said it does not accept three-dimensional gifts or food gifts. That restriction is a reminder that admiration should be expressed through approved channels rather than by sending objects directly to an animal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Punch’s fame has meant for the zoo
Punch’s popularity has brought support, but it has also created risks. On May 17, 2026, a man entered the macaque enclosure while another person filmed. Two Americans were arrested in Japan on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business. The zoo said the animals were safe and strengthened its security measures afterward.
The incident illustrates the danger of treating a viral animal as an internet prop. Visitors should never enter an enclosure, attempt to touch an animal, shout to provoke a reaction, crowd the viewing area or try to recreate a scene from a video. Even apparently gentle contact in a clip does not make close approach safe or acceptable for the public.
A better way to read the viral footage
- Separate observation from interpretation. “Punch hugged a female macaque” describes visible behavior. “Punch found his soulmate” is a human narrative layered onto it.
- Look for the wider timeline. The plush videos came during the early troop-integration period; later reports described more play and care from other macaques.
- Remember that hierarchy can look harsh. Japanese macaque groups use complex social rules. A brief scolding is not automatically evidence of abuse, though repeated aggression still requires responsible management.
- Do not confuse a comfort object with a parent. The plush served a practical and comforting role supplied by keepers.
- Respect the animals’ boundaries. Watch from approved areas and follow the zoo’s current rules instead of trying to produce a better video.
The bottom line on Punch’s “girlfriend”
Punch appears to have developed a close relationship with another macaque, and the hugs and play are a hopeful sign of his growing social life. But there is no basis in the supplied reporting for calling the female his officially confirmed girlfriend.
The fuller story is better than the headline: a macaque born without maternal care was hand-raised, found comfort in a stuffed orangutan, faced the complicated hierarchy of a large troop and gradually began forming connections with other macaques. By his first birthday, he was reportedly healthy, playing with the group and relying less on the plush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Punch officially have a girlfriend?
Not according to the available zoo information. Videos show Punch interacting closely with a female macaque reported as Momo-chan, but “girlfriend” is a playful media label rather than a confirmed zoo designation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- This plush is approx. 3" x 8" x 4" in size
- Made from deluxe materials for a cloud-like softness!
- This light and fluffy Cat plush makes for a great cuddling partner
- Mini Flopsies are designed to lay resting on its belly for easy, fun play
- To ensure stability and quality, this plush contains bean pellets suitable for all ages
What kind of stuffed animal did Punch carry?
The plush was identified in reporting as IKEA’s DJUNGELSKOG orangutan soft toy. IKEA’s U.S. product page lists article number 104.028.41 and describes a 141⁄4-inch, machine-washable orangutan plush with touch-and-close fasteners.
Why did Punch carry the orangutan plush?
Keepers offered him several possible comfort and gripping objects while he was hand-raised. He chose the orangutan because its long limbs were easy to grip and it visually resembled another monkey. It functioned as a comfort object, not as his literal mother.
Is Punch still carrying the plush?
By his first birthday on July 26, 2026, reporting said Punch was no longer regularly carrying it and was playing with other macaques. That is an encouraging update, but it should not be described as proof of a clinical emotional recovery.
Can visitors send gifts to Punch?
The zoo’s exhibition notice said it does not accept three-dimensional or food gifts. Visitors should use only official support or visitor channels and must never enter the enclosure, touch the animals or try to recreate viral footage.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Bottom Line
Punch’s new companion is real; the “girlfriend” label is not officially confirmed. The videos show a young Japanese macaque moving beyond his early reliance on an orangutan plush and taking part in social interactions with his troop. The kindest response is to celebrate that development without turning Punch—or any zoo animal—into an internet performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
