BLACKPINK’s Lisa Visits Orphaned Baby Monkey Punch Who Found Comfort In A Stuffed Toy
A touching moment recently captured the hearts of fans around the world when Lisa from BLACKPINK visited Punch, the baby monkey who has become an internet sensation.
On March 7, the K-pop star shared photos and videos on her Instagram showing her visit to Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, Japan, where Punch currently lives.
In the clips, Lisa can be seen smiling warmly as she watches the little monkey.
But what made the moment even more special was the gift she brought with her.
Lisa carried a plush orangutan toy, the same kind that Punch is often seen hugging for comfort.
The Baby Monkey Who Won The World’s Heart
Punch was born on July 26, 2025, and belongs to a species of macaque.
Sadly, his life began with hardship.
Shortly after birth, Punch was abandoned by his mother, leaving the tiny monkey without the comfort and protection newborn animals normally receive.
Zoo caretakers stepped in to care for him and later introduced him to the monkey troop on January 19.
But adjusting to life with the other monkeys wasn’t easy.
A Toy That Became His Comfort
To help ease Punch’s transition, zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy.
The toy quickly became his constant companion.
Whenever the other monkeys chased or pushed him away, Punch would often run back and cling tightly to the plush toy, as if it were a safe place.
Videos of the tiny monkey dragging the stuffed toy — sometimes nearly as big as his own body — quickly spread across social media.
People around the world were deeply moved by the sight.
In one widely shared video, Punch runs to hug the toy after being pulled away by another monkey.
But zoo staff explained that the moment is only temporary.
Soon after, Punch usually puts the toy down and continues trying to interact with the others again.
From Struggle To Hope
Early footage showed Punch struggling to find his place in the troop, often appearing isolated and sometimes bullied by the older monkeys.
However, things have slowly begun to change.
Recently, keepers have observed some monkeys in the group beginning to groom Punch, sit near him, and even hug him — small but meaningful signs that he may finally be finding acceptance.
Zoo officials shared in a statement:
“Although Punch is sometimes scolded by other monkeys, he continues to show remarkable resilience and strength. We hope people support his efforts to adapt rather than simply feeling sorry for him.”
An Internet Star Overnight
Punch’s story quickly spread across the world.
Several videos of the baby monkey gathered more than 40 million views in February alone, turning him into an unexpected internet star.
Fans from many countries began sharing messages of encouragement using hashtags such as:
#GanbarePanchi (“Stay strong, Punch”)
#HangInTherePunch
To many people online, Punch has become a symbol of resilience and quiet determination.
Even The Toy Became Famous
Interestingly, Punch’s beloved plush toy has also gained attention.
The stuffed orangutan he hugs is actually sold by IKEA.
After Punch’s story went viral, the company posted an image of two of the toys hugging each other on social media, writing:
“Sometimes family is the one you find along the way.”
The post concluded with a heartfelt message:
“Now we are all Punch’s family.”
According to The New York Times, sales of the plush toy have increased significantly in Japan, the United States, and South Korea since Punch became famous.
Visitors Flock To See Punch
Punch’s global popularity has also led to a surge of visitors at Ichikawa City Zoo.
On weekends, large numbers of people arrive hoping to catch a glimpse of the small monkey who captured the internet’s heart.
To protect the animals from stress, the zoo has introduced stricter rules in the monkey enclosure area.
Visitors are now required to remain quiet, avoid using ladders or tripods for photography, and limit their visit to 10 minutes per group.
These measures help ensure the well-being of the roughly 50 monkeys living in the enclosure.
Why Was Punch Abandoned?
According to Alison Behie, a primatologist from the Australian National University, cases where mother monkeys abandon newborns are rare but can happen under certain conditions.
Factors such as the mother’s age, health, or lack of experience can play a role.
In Punch’s case, zoo staff believe his mother may have been inexperienced since it was her first time giving birth.
Additionally, Punch was born during a period of intense heat, which may have created extra environmental stress.
Behie explained that in some challenging environments, a mother may prioritize her own survival and future reproduction if caring for the newborn becomes too difficult.
A Small Monkey With A Big Message
Despite the difficult start to his life, Punch continues to show remarkable determination.
Little by little, he is learning how to navigate life within the troop.
And sometimes, when things feel overwhelming, he still returns to the same stuffed toy — the one that once helped him feel safe.
For millions of people around the world, Punch is more than just a baby monkey.
He is a reminder that even the smallest creatures can carry extraordinary resilience.
And sometimes, all it takes is a little comfort, patience, and support to help someone find their place in the world. 🐒❤️
