Posted by ReyFort Media
“It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda shared that he was able to personally see the condition of Punch, the viral baby monkey in Japan that has captured global attention.
Punch is a baby macaque monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, who went viral for his heart-wrenching search for companionship after being abandoned by his mother.
Videos and photos of Punch being bullied by other monkeys and seeking comfort from an orangutan stuffed toy circulated widely, drawing sympathy online.
As of February 24, Punch’s situation has reportedly improved, according to The Japan Times.
“More recent footage has offered signs of hope: other macaques grooming him, sitting beside him and even hugging him,” it reported.
The zoo previously said it would appreciate it if the people “support Punch’s efforts rather than feel sorry for him,” noting that the baby monkey has shown “resilience and mental strength.”
Vice, who is in Japan with his husband, Ion Perez, told his followers that he has personally seen the viral monkey.
“Success!!!! Nakita ko na si Punch!!! He looks ok. Niyayakap na siya ng malalaking jungoya. So happy!!!” Vice wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, February 27.
The post has earned 11,000 likes, 644 reposts and almost 80 replies.
Vice also shared a close-up picture of Punch on his Instagram Story, giving followers a firsthand look at the baby monkey.
“Hello, Punch!” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the incident has inspired some retailers to reference the viral story in their promotions.
Last week, IKEA Philippines posted a picture of a stuffed toy orangutan alongside a baby monkey, highlighting a product available in their store and nodding to Punch’s viral story.
“Sometimes the best kind of comfort doesn’t say a word. Hang in there, Panchi-kun!” the caption, accompanied by a hugging emoji, read.
ReyFort Media 
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