• Punch the monkey bonds with older female at Ichikawa Zoo

Punch, the seven-month-old macaque, has been seen interacting closely with an older female, believed to be named Momo-chan, at Ichikawa City Zoo.

Recent TikTok and Instagram clips recorded by visitors show the young monkey hugging, playing, and spending time with his new companion—a big change from earlier footage in mid-February, when Punch, abandoned by his mother, faced teasing from other monkeys and relied on a stuffed orangutan and his human caretaker for comfort.

Fans have described the interactions as adorable, though some jokingly note that Punch is “too young for a girlfriend.”

The zoo clarified that Punch was never bullied and has become less dependent on his toy, as more monkeys now look after and play with him. They added that dominant behaviors among macaques are natural within their society and should not be seen as human-like abuse.