Reception
On February 5, 2026, the zoo made an online post about Punch's backstory, which became an overnight sensation.[2] More images of Punch-kun with the orangutan plushie soon went viral in Japan and abroad, and the hashtag #HangInTherePunch (#がんばれパンチ) began circulating online.[13] Nicknames have also been given to the orangutan plushie itself, such as "Oran-Mama" or "Oran-Mother."[2] Long queues began forming at the Ichikawa City Zoo, which zoo officials considered unprecedented, causing them to apologize for delays in entry.[14] The number of visitors to the zoo in February 2026 doubled from the previous year.[15]
On February 17, IKEA representatives visited the Ichikawa City Zoo and donated 33 stuffed toys to Punch.[16] Sales of the Djungelskog orangutan plushie heavily increased, selling out in the majority of IKEA locations.[15] In March, Blackpink member Lisa visited Punch herself and posted an Instagram story of her own orangutan plushie from IKEA.[17]
On February 27, Google added a search animation to queries about Punch, showing an "animated monkey icon" and showering "Bright pink hearts" from the top of the screen.[18] Punch is featured on Roku screensavers.[19]
Punch's circumstances became the subject of various op-ed pieces trying to diagnose why his story became a global sensation. Louie Villalobos, writing for USA Today, stated that "Punch reminds us of the loneliness and sadness we've felt in our lives from loss or rejection, and the feeling that maybe we weren't enough. But he is also teaching us that there is always hope through perseverance in the face of rejection."[20] Mary McNamara, writing for the Los Angeles Times, shared that her daughter typed "I am Punch and he is me" into her family group chat and argued that it was "a sentiment shared by many," as "Everyone knows what it's like to feel small and bewildered as you circle a social group, seeking a way in, just as everyone knows what it's like to be rejected by those whose approval we seek."[21] Today observed social media reactions from users casting sympathy and companionship to Punch from afar along the lines of "We're ALL Punch's family now" and "We're not okay."[22]
Despite this, Punch also received some criticism. The Daily Show host Jon Stewart gives a controversial take on Punch while attacking Donald Trump's comments on the Supreme Court of the United States. Initially, he said that Trump's comments were so dispiriting that the Supreme Court " need one of them stuffed comfort monkeys that poor Punch has” before adding " there is probably something wrong with that [f*cking] monkey.”[23] Stewart agrees that the images of Punch with his plush toy was adorable but adding "who are we to question the wisdom of the tribe?" much to his groaning audience.[23] Stewart doubles down on the criticism, “Even that [f*cking] stuffed monkey looks like, ‘Hey, I don’t want to be here. I could be living The Life of Riley in a nice bedroom in Westchester. Instead, I’m being dragged through the gravel in the middle of Ichikawa'” before he finally apologizes.[24] Despite this, his 'hot take' was not well received as some viewers were not happy about Stewart's scathing jokes on Punch which was typically reserved for politicians like Trump in his show.[25]
PETA criticizes Ichikawa City Zoo on Punch's treatment, stating that the photo of Punch with his plush toy shows much more concern on putting primates in captivity. PETA argued that the photo was not something that is heartwarming, but rather shows Punch's stress and social depression. They demanded that Punch should be relocated to a wildlife reserve. The group also raised concerns about the premature separation from his mother and the challenges in integrating him with other monkeys, citing potential long-term welfare implications.[26]