General · 21 February 2026
Baby monkey Punch finds friends after hugging stuffed toy
A Japanese macaque named Punch has successfully integrated with his troop at Ichikawa City Zoo after previously relying on a plush orangutan for comfort. Early in life, the primate went viral for dragging the soft doll around because he struggled to connect with real animals. Expert Matt Lovatt notes that Punch is now grooming others, which helps establish essential social relationships.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs