Baby monkey Punch celebrates 1st birthday since becoming a global social media sensation

Japanese macaque Punch celebrated his first birthday on Sunday after capturing the hearts of millions online with his story of resilience and recovery.

Visitors gathered at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture to mark the occasion.

Punch became an internet sensation after videos showed him clinging to a plush orangutan toy for comfort after being abandoned by his mother and initially rejected by other monkeys in his troop.

The zoo began sharing updates about his progress on social media in February, with the hashtag #HangInTherePunch attracting a global following.

Zoo official Takashi Yasunaga said Punch has made significant progress over the past year.

“He is less and less turning to the orangutan doll. He is communicating with other animals and playing with other baby monkeys,” Yasunaga said.

“He is building his position as a member of the group.”

Punch reportedly received around 2,500 birthday cards and messages from supporters in Japan and overseas. The messages are being displayed as part of a special birthday exhibition, alongside videos documenting his first year.

Punch's popularity has also transformed the zoo, which has seen visitor numbers increase from a few hundred people a day to several thousand. The zoo has received numerous emails and phone calls from supporters, while also facing criticism over Punch's care.

His fame has brought unexpected challenges, including an incident in May when American YouTubers entered the monkey enclosure and another in June when someone reportedly aimed a laser pointer at the animals.

The zoo has also benefited financially from Punch's popularity, raising ¥58 million (about $350,000) in donations by mid-July. The funds have been used to install a new air-conditioning system, improving conditions for the animals.

“Thanks to Punch’s popularity, the entire group (of monkeys) and the entire zoo have benefited from improved conditions,” Yasunaga said.

Visitors travelled from across Japan and abroad to celebrate the young monkey's birthday.

“Punch was all over TikTok. Videos just kept coming up. He’s just so cute. And my girlfriend loves him. I love him,” American tourist Sarren Eilers said.

Local visitor Junko Hara praised Punch's determination, saying, “He just doesn’t get discouraged. I support that resilience of his and watching him really cheers me up too.”

Another supporter, Yukie Mibayashi, added, “People all around the world are supporting Punch, so I want to tell him, ‘Everyone’s watching you. Keep going!’”