Punch, the Famous Social Media Macaque, Celebrates 1st Anniversary at Japanese Zoo

A Japanese macaque named Punch, who won the hearts of millions by hugging a toy orangutan instead of his mother, is now celebrating his first birthday amid a wave of global congratulations.

On Sunday, at Ichikawa Zoo in Chiba Prefecture, this small primate will mark one year of life. Punch became known worldwide after footage and videos of him clutching a soft orangutan doll as a substitute for a mother figure swept social media.

Now, the macaque is fully adapted to his species group. Although he no longer carries the plush orangutan during outdoor excursions, he continues to keep the toy in his indoor space.

To mark the occasion, the zoo administration called on followers to send greeting cards. The result was impressive: more than 2,500 messages came from Japan and other countries, and approximately 1,000 of them have been put on public display. Many fans express that Punch’s journey has brought them hope and motivation.