IKEA donates plush orangutans to Punch the monkey. Get one for $20.
Greta CrossIKEA wants the best for Punch the monkey.
IKEA, the Scandinavian furniture store, donated stuffed animals to Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan earlier this week following the facility's now-viral baby macaque monkey named Punch, who touched hearts with his love for a stuffed orangutan that appears to be IKEA's Djungelskog. Punch, abandoned by his mother at birth, carries the plush, which helps provide comfort.
On Feb. 17, Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka posted a photo on X alongside IKEA Japan President Petra Färe with countless IKEA stuffed animals for Punch and other animals at the zoo.
Official IKEA social media accounts around the globe have tapped into the widespread love for Punch. The official IKEA Spain X account posted an edited photo of the Djungelskog stuffed animal hugging Punch, and the IKEA Switzerland Instagram posted a similar photo but of the retailer's Sandlöpare stuffed chimpanzee holding the orangutan toy.
New Punch video leaves fans heartbroken
A more recent video of Punch has caused some distress among animal lovers. In the video, posted Feb. 19, Punch is approached by a larger, adult monkey that drags him on the ground in circles before Punch can run to cover, taking shelter with his stuffed animal. In a statement shared Feb. 20 to X, Ichikawa City Zoo said the adult monkey was likely the mother of another baby monkey in the enclosure that Punch unsuccessfully tried to communicate with earlier. She could have been annoyed with Punch, which upset her.
But the zoo told Punch fans not to worry.
"While Punch is scolded, he shows resilience and mental strength. When you observe these disciplinary behaviors from other troop members toward Punch, when he tries to communicate with them, we would like you to support Punch's efforts, rather than feel sorry for him," the zoo's statement reads.
Who is Punch the monkey?
Born at Ichikawa City Zoo on July 26, 2025, Punch was abandoned by his mother "as soon as he was born," according to a translation of the zoo's website. Zoo staff raised the monkey, giving him the stuffed orangutan to help him cope with loneliness.
How to buy the viral orangutan stuffed animal
IKEA's Djungelskog, which appears to be the same stuffed orangutan loved by Punch, is available for $20 at IKEA stores and on the IKEA website.
Shop IKEA oragutan stuffed animalGreta Cross is a national trending reporter at Paste BN. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
(This story was updated to add a video.)
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