Punch The Viral Monkey Is Inspiring Heartfelt Original Music

Forbes Business

by Leslie Katz, Senior Contributor

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Punch, a seven-month-old macaque monkey abandoned by his mother at birth and shunned by his peers at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, has become an unlikely inspiration for original music. His story of loneliness and resilience, captured in viral footage as he clings to a stuffed orangutan toy provided by zookeepers, has touched audiences worldwide. Songwriters from various genres have crafted tracks that reflect Punch's emotional journey, with songs like Oliver Richman’s "Other Mothers (Punch’s Soliloquy)" resonating deeply online, amassing over 97,000 likes on TikTok. These compositions highlight themes of love, longing, and empathy, offering a unique perspective on the universal human experience of feeling isolated. The viral phenomenon has also sparked conversations about the emotional bond people form with animals, especially infants, due to their resemblance to human features like round faces and large eyes. Punch’s story has struck a particular chord, as it embodies the struggle for belonging and acceptance, which many can relate to. His situation is compounded by the possible stress his mother faced during birth, possibly influenced by the heatwave at the time. For businesses, Punch’s viral appeal has translated into increased zoo traffic, showcasing the power of emotional storytelling in marketing. The outpouring of global support for Punch highlights how brands can leverage heartwarming narratives to connect with audiences and drive engagement. This case study underscores the importance of empathy in building a following, as seen through the surge in attention towards Ichikawa City Zoo and the growing popularity of animal-related content on social media platforms.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026