IKEA Donates to ‘Punch’ the Monkey After Viral Video & New Scuffle

The story of “Punch,” a baby monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has captured global attention, prompting a heartwarming response from IKEA. The Swedish furniture retailer has donated numerous stuffed animals to the zoo following the viral spread of images and videos featuring Punch and his comfort object – a Djungelskog plush orangutan.

A Viral Sensation

Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, according to the zoo’s website. Staff provided him with the stuffed orangutan to help alleviate his loneliness. Images of Punch clutching the toy resonated widely, leading to increased attention for the young monkey and the zoo.

Did You Know? Ichikawa City Mayor Ko Tanaka posted a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, on February 17 alongside IKEA Japan President Petra Färe, showcasing the donated stuffed animals.

IKEA’s Response and Social Media Engagement

IKEA’s response extended beyond the donation. Official IKEA social media accounts globally have participated in the online enthusiasm for Punch. IKEA Spain shared an edited image of the Djungelskog hugging Punch on X, while IKEA Switzerland posted a similar image on Instagram featuring their Sandlöpare stuffed chimpanzee with the orangutan toy.

Recent Developments and Zoo Reassurance

A recent video of Punch, posted on February 19, showed the monkey being approached by an adult macaque who appeared to “scold” him by dragging him in circles. Ichikawa City Zoo addressed concerns arising from the video, explaining that the adult monkey was likely reacting to Punch’s attempts to interact with her baby. The zoo emphasized that Punch is resilient and encouraged supporters to focus on his efforts to integrate with the troop.

Expert Insight: The swift and positive response from a major international brand like IKEA demonstrates the power of viral content and the potential for companies to leverage emotionally resonant stories to enhance their public image. This situation highlights the increasing importance of social media monitoring and rapid response capabilities for corporate communications.

Availability of the Plush Toy

For those wishing to purchase their own Djungelskog orangutan, the stuffed animal is available for $20 at IKEA stores and on the IKEA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Punch?

Punch is a baby macaque monkey born at Ichikawa City Zoo on July 26, 2025, who was abandoned by his mother at birth.

What did IKEA donate to the zoo?

IKEA donated numerous stuffed animals to Ichikawa City Zoo, including many of the Djungelskog orangutan and Sandlöpare chimpanzee plush toys.

Why was the zoo reassuring fans after the recent video?

The zoo released a statement to reassure fans after a video showed Punch being approached by an adult monkey, explaining the adult monkey’s behavior was likely related to her own baby and that Punch is showing resilience.

How do you think the attention surrounding Punch will impact Ichikawa City Zoo and its conservation efforts?