Viral videos, sold-out toys… Why the world is going bananas over Punch, the Japanese monkey

Punch, a baby Japanese macaque abandoned by his mother at Ichikawa City Zoo, became a global sensation after videos of him bonding with a stuffed orangutan toy went viral. The zoo saw record-breaking visitor numbers, IKEA's plush toy sold out worldwide, and Punch inspired viral hashtags and media coverage. Social media influencer Tristan Tate offered $250,000 to buy Punch, sparking debate online, while psychologists say the public's emotional response is rooted in empathy for vulnerable young animals.