It’s Sunday night after a big week in the news, and doubtless it will all crank up again Monday morning, so I thought I’d bring you some lighter fare this evening. And although it starts out very, very sad, the end will hopefully bring a smile to your face.

It was a heartbreaking story for those of us who love animals, and maybe even for those who don't. You see, Punch, the seven-month-old baby macaque who lives at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, became a viral sensation when he was abandoned by his mother and bullied by others in the troop. Having no friends, he was left to find comfort in his stuffed animal, which he dragged around everywhere and refused to let go of.

It was hard to watch:

https://t.co/GllDto4ogy

— TaraBull (@TaraBull) February 21, 2026

He became an internet sensation as people who saw the story felt for his plight.

The zoo issued a statement asking fans to 'support Punch's efforts' to socialize, noting that his troop has not shown any serious aggression. 

'While Punch is scolded [by other monkeys], he shows mental strength and resilience,' it said. 

The crowds coming out to support the new superstar were almost more than the park could handle:

The small zoo has been overwhelmed by visitors and long lines since its posts about Punch started dominating social media feeds. Larger crowds still are expected this weekend and Monday, which is a holiday in Japan. A red banner has appeared at the top of the zoo’s website with a message from Punch’s keeper encouraging visitors to take public transportation rather than a car.

Meanwhile, his stuffed toy sold out at IKEAs in Japan:

Punch has also become an accidental influencer of sorts. Ikea told The Washington Post that there has been a marked increase in sales of the DJUNGELSKOG orangutan toy, and asked for patience from customers who visit stores in Japan, the United States and South Korea, where the toy has sold out.

It all makes you want to grab the little guy and give him a hug yourself. But the story has taken a new turn recently, and we don’t need to embrace him, because he’s got a new friend who’s happy to do it for us:

After being constantly rejected by the other macaques, Punch finally found a forever friend named Onsing.

The baby's bumpy ride is finally over, as social media videos on Friday showed the adult troop member wrapping him in a tight embrace. 

One video showed the pair in their concrete enclosure, with Punch completely wrapped in Onsing's arms as they climbed the rock wall together. 

Onsing followed closely, grabbing Punch's side to help hoist him up the incline. 

The adult monkey never left his side. In the video, the chain fences clanged, startling Punch, who nuzzled into his new bodyguard for comfort. 

Punch, the viral lonely monkey, has now been hugged and groomed by an adult monkey for the first time. Things are looking better for the little guy. pic.twitter.com/2YyKoalCex

— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) February 19, 2026

His new pal seems intent on keeping him safe:

Punch the little bullied monkey has a bodyguard now ??? pic.twitter.com/ijpZAe0f6H

— TaraBull (@TaraBull) February 22, 2026

The new friendship seems to have put a little extra spring in his step:

? BREAKING NEWS:

The little monkey Punch has learned a new skill.

He was seen walking on two legs.

Not all monkeys as young as him are able to do it so easily. ?

pic.twitter.com/wHGqlyh0QX

— Out Of Context Punch (@OOCPUNCH) February 22, 2026

Hopefully, little Punch will soon make more friends so he can get back to just monkeying around. 

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