The lonely little Punch is no longer fighting his battle alone. The six-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan has touched hearts around the world, as his struggle to adjust to a new home sparked an outpouring of support on social media. Abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, the baby monkey had a difficult time adapting to his new environment and bonding with the other monkeys.

Soon after the video was shared, several netizens flooded social media with messages of support for the little one. The latest, perhaps a bit late, to join them is Matt Rife, as he sought help from netizens in the hope to save the monkey.

Days after Punch’s videos from the zoo went viral, Matt Rife has now taken to X, asking others about how he could adopt the monkey. 

“Will somebody PLASE tell me how to adopt that lil monkey, Punch?! They’d bullying him and i won’t stand for it,” he wrote in a heartwarming post on X. However, netizens across social media were quick to remind him that Punch is doing fine now and has started making friends.

While Punch initially had only an orange orangutan plushie for emotional support, the zoo later informed the concerned netizens that the other monkeys are also warming up to him. So, Rife may not need to worry about the monkey anymore, but should wait for more heartwarming videos of Punch finally being embraced by his troop. 

And even if he were to adopt the monkey, Punch would likely remain in the zoo’s care. An adoption usually only means becoming a guardian who helps cover the animal’s food and care, along with receiving an adoption certificate. With videos of Punch circulating everywhere on the internet, Rife is not the only one who is touched by Punch’s story. 

James Cameron Slams Potential Netflix–Warner Bros. Merger in Letter to Lawmakers

The little monkey and his cute mother toy from IKEA has also melted the heart of comedian and television host Stephen Colbert.

Several animal actors and talents have won the hearts of people, but Punch has taken the world by storm. Stephen Colbert was equally touched by Punch and spoke about the little monkey on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As a video of Punch and his small attempts played on screen, Colbert and the audience watched with delight. 

“Oh my God, he’s so cute, he thinks that’s his mommy,” he said.

There were several clips of Punch finding comfort in his plushie. The IKEA toy DJUNGELSKOG, which costs $19.99, also saw a massive demand, with many rushing to buy it. Colbert even revealed that he had bought the toy himself and brought it onto the show.

“I love you, I love you monkey mommy,” Colbert said. “Clearly she regrets being part of this bit.” With everyone talking about him, many even wanting to adopt him, it seems that the baby monkey’s lonely struggle is melting and healing the hearts of many.

Mark Ruffalo Calls Out James Cameron’s Selective Outrage Over Netflix Amid Paramount Bid War

What do you think about Matt Rife’s kind gesture for Punch? Let us know in the comments.