I Can’t Stop Thinking About Punch the Sad Monkey. I’m Not Alone

Rolling Stone

by CT Jones

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Punch the macaque monkey has become an unlikely international sensation after being rejected by his mother at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, Japan. Born in July, Punch was raised by zoo staff after his mother refused to care for him following a difficult labor. Now seven months old, he faces challenges reintegrating into the monkey group, as they seem uninterested or hostile toward him. Despite his struggles, Punch has captured the hearts of millions online, with people obsessively following his every move and sharing clips of his lonely antics, such as dragging around a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort. The story of this rejected baby monkey has sparked an outpouring of empathy and even outrage. When footage emerged of another monkey grabbing Punch by the neck and dragging him across the enclosure, social media users flooded with calls to protect him. Some jokingly suggested arming Punch, while others criticized the zoo’s handling of the situation. PETA has also used the viral attention to criticize zoos and advocate for animal welfare. Meanwhile, the zoo maintains that Punch is safe and being closely monitored. Punch’s popularity highlights the internet’s fascination with cute, relatable animals in emotional situations. His story taps into a universal desire to empathize with creatures that mirror human experiences of rejection and isolation. The viral nature of his journey also reflects how social media amplifies even the saddest tales, turning them into cultural phenomena. From his awkward attempts to join the group to his bond with his stuffed toy, Punch’s narrative has become a modern

Verticals

cultureentertainment

Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026