A new heartthrob in Japan has people going crazy all over social media. It’s not a new singer, or an actor, but a monkey.
Yes, a monkey has the hearts of people from the ages of 2-80 melting. Punch is a seven month old macaque born in Ichikawa Zoo. He’s gone viral on every social media platform you could think of for his adorable personality and his heartbreaking backstory. Punch was presumed to be abandoned by his mother due to the Japanese heat, but this is where his rise to fame begins.
When the zoo shared this story, fans grew attached. Some adored, others pleaded to adopt him. There is even a GoFundMe titled “Help rescue PUNCH the baby monkey” with contributors worried about Punch’s well being.
On top of being abandoned, Punch gets bullied almost every day in the zoo by the other monkeys. People say he is an “outcast.” This only gave fans more reason to obsess over him. Fans say they relate to Punch, making this baby monkey a true icon.
What really sets aside Punch from other monkeys is the plush orangutan toy from IKEA that he drags around almost everywhere he goes. Punch went so viral, even IKEA donated their plush toys to the zoo for purchase so tourists and visitors can match with Punch.
On the topic of being a viral star, Punch is seen holding his stuffed orangutan in the background of some Roku TV screen savers.
In recent days, Punch appears to be fitting in, with different news outlets sharing videos of him playing with his new friends and even giving each other piggy-back rides, giving fans hope for this viral star that he’s going to be alright.
From an abandoned newborn to a viral sensation overnight, Punch continues to warm hearts all around the world. This baby proves that everyone needs a little monkey business in their life
