A baby monkey abandoned by his mother gained worldwide fame after bonding with an Ikea toy, sparking debate over wildlife and social media.

At Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, a 6-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch has garnered international attention after his mother abandoned him, most likely as a result of stress from a heat wave and her lack of experience as a first-time parent. Punch, who was raised by zookeepers by hand, developed a close bond with an Ikea stuffed orangutan toy that provides comfort. His gregarious nature has helped him progressively assimilate into the troop despite his early seclusion and bullying by older monkeys. In addition to drawing sizable crowds and prompting visitor restrictions, the viral story has sparked worries about how social media may affect public perceptions of wildlife, including the possibility of a rise in the demand for exotic pets. Although it is uncommon, experts stress that environmental stress or health problems can cause maternal abandonment in primates, and that social integration without maternal guidance presents long-term difficulties.