Baby macaque Punch's Ikea comfort toy sells out

Punch, a 7-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, clings to an Ikea stuffed orangutan as a comfort object, and sales of that toy have surged and sold out in several markets.

Punch is a 7-month-old macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo outside Tokyo who was abandoned shortly after birth and raised by staff. He carries a stuffed Ikea orangutan as a surrogate and is often seen returning to it for comfort. Videos showing him being scolded, dragged by other monkeys, or snuggling the toy have gone viral and increased public attention. Ikea reported a marked increase in sales of the toy and said it has sold out in several markets. Known details: - Punch was abandoned shortly after birth and has been raised by zoo staff at the Ichikawa City Zoo. - He uses an Ikea DJUNGELSKOG stuffed orangutan as a comfort object and often returns to it after conflicts or stressful moments. - The zoo posted on X that footage of Punch being dragged by other monkeys appears authentic and described these incidents as part of his learning to socialize. - Videos of Punch have gone viral, and the zoo has seen higher visitor numbers and long lines; staff added a banner asking visitors to use public transportation. - Ikea told The Washington Post that sales of the toy increased and that the item sold out in stores in Japan, the United States, and South Korea, and the company said it is working to restock. - Joan Silk, a professor of evolution, noted parallels to mid-20th-century primate studies on attachment and said Punch’s prospects depend on whether members of the group accept him. Summary: Punch’s viral presence has brought larger crowds to the zoo and driven demand for the stuffed orangutan. Ikea says it is working to restock the toy. Punch’s social integration into the macaque group is ongoing, and outcomes are undetermined at this time.