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When the world first learned about Punch the monkey, everyone felt compelled to protect the little helpless macaque. Having been rejected by his mom, he also struggled to fit in with his troop, only finding solace in his beloved orangutan plushie. Since then, things have seriously improved for him. On top of having friends to play with and seniors who protect him, he also seems to have found a girlfriend.
The lucky lady’s name is Momo, although Japanese fans also know her as Moe-chan. Over the last few days, the pair has been seen sharing smooches and playing around the enclosure together at Ichikawa Zoo, where the monkeys live. Her identity was confirmed by Punch’s beloved caretaker Kosuke Shikano, whose arms Punch clings to whenever he steps into the enclosure to feed the troop.
While not everything is smooth sailing for the little macaque, he continues to grow up and learn the rules of the troop. He still gets scolded now and then, but the zoo has clarified that he is not being bullied nor is he in any danger. And he’s not completely grown up; he still relies on his trusty plushie when he feels scared. Luckily, it seems to have given him enough confidence to stand his ground when others are teasing him.
In its latest Punch update, Ichikawa Zoo wrote: “Lately, Punch has been enjoying playing with tree branches. Today, he immediately started playing with a branch we set up this morning—he’s really showing off his mischievous side. By the way, he ate his meal with great appetite again today.” Meanwhile, the zoo is asking visitors to not stand too close to the enclosure fence, as they hope to mitigate the psychological pressure the human gaze can instill on the animals.
To stay up to date with Punch and Momo, make sure to follow Ichikawa Zoo on X and Instagram.
Punch the monkey seems to have found a girlfriend, proving that he continues to find his footing around his troop.
子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険
パンチ&モエ デート中にキス#がんばれパンチ #パンチ #Punch #Panchi #パンチくんの大冒険 #PunchTheMonkey pic.twitter.com/kGyiwxX9D0— ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) March 17, 2026
The lucky lady's name is Momo, although Japanese fans also know her as Moe-chan.
子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険
モエちゃんにチュッ#がんばれパンチ #パンチ #Punch #Panchi #パンチくんの大冒険 #PunchTheMonkey pic.twitter.com/Zpk4PWPJyU— ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) March 16, 2026
Over the last few days, the pair has been seen sharing smooches and playing around the enclosure together.
子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険
見つめ合う2人#がんばれパンチ #パンチ #Punch #Panchi #パンチくんの大冒険 #PunchTheMonkey pic.twitter.com/X7Df1is9ax— ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) March 18, 2026
子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険
チュッ#がんばれパンチ #パンチ #Punch #Panchi #パンチくんの大冒険 #PunchTheMonkey
pic.twitter.com/XhOJjs2Wkc— ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) March 18, 2026
子ザルのパンチくんの大冒険
モエちゃんにチュッ ver.2#がんばれパンチ #パンチ #Punch #Panchi #パンチくんの大冒険 #PunchTheMonkey pic.twitter.com/5sISJNlmiL— ミハミハ (@mihamiha_trend) March 16, 2026
Her identity was confirmed by Punch's beloved caretaker, Kosuke Shikano.
Paparazzis asking Shikano about Punch's girlfriend#Punch #ShikanoAndPunch pic.twitter.com/mcKlS9laJ3
— Shikano And Punch (@ShikanoAndPunch) March 17, 2026
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