The lonely monkey who won hearts online after cuddling with his orangutan toy began making friends with other monkeys, according to a post on Monday from the Ichikawa Zoo. A

Baby monkey Punch, abandoned at birth, is winning hearts online as viral videos show him mimicking older monkeys and gradually adapting to life at Japan’s Ichikawa Zoo. His playful and mischievous behaviour amid the rain has sparked widespread delight and admiration on social media.

Baby macaque Punch from Ichikawa City Zoo goes viral hugging IKEA orangutan plushie, sparking sellouts and primate welfare debate.

Legions of fans from around the world have been cheering on Punch, a 7-month-old macaque who had been struggling to socialize at a zoo outside Tokyo.