The adorable duo has taken social media by storm, with footage showing the pair strolling around their enclosure together and pausing for the occasional much-needed hug.
Slightly larger than Punch in stature, his plush companion has transformed into a shoulder to lean on, a cushion for rest and a supportive ally helping the young primate as he works to bond with other monkeys in the habitat.
The phenomenon has captured hearts across Japan, with Punch gaining widespread support from locals hoping he’ll thrive into adulthood, many rallying behind the hashtag ‘#HangInTherePunch’ to express their affection, reports the Mirror.
The stuffed animal has become a surrogate mother to him, according to Punch’s caretaker(Image: X)
His caretaker Kosuke Shikano, 24, explained that “the stuffed animal [has become] a surrogate mother to him”.
Punch has gradually begun forming connections with the other macaques at the zoo, though he continues receiving bottle feedings to support his development.
