How a lonely baby monkey turned a plush toy into a global craze
A baby monkey named Punch has become an online star after videos showed its bond with a plush toy. The chimpanzee plush, called Djungelskog, has since seen a surge in demand across Japan, the US, and South Korea. The toy's popularity grew so quickly that shortages have been reported in multiple countries.
Punch first captured attention when clips of the young macaque being rejected by its troop went viral. Viewers were drawn to the way it clung to a soft chimpanzee toy for comfort. The plush, originally a simple children's product, soon became a must-have item.
The trend reached new heights when K-pop icon Lisa of BLACKPINK visited Ichikawa Zoological Park in Japan. She met Punch and shared photos of the monkey with its beloved Djungelskog on Instagram. Her post further fuelled interest in the toy, leading to a sharp rise in sales.
Retailers in Japan, the US, and South Korea have struggled to keep up with demand. While no figures exist on how this has affected other plush brands, reports confirm that Djungelskog itself has faced widespread stock shortages.
The viral fame of Punch has turned an ordinary plush toy into a sought-after item. Shops continue to restock Djungelskog as fans rush to buy it. The toy's unexpected popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
