Punch the monkey has made friends at Ichikawa Zoo after going viral on social media in Japan

Punch the monkey, who won hearts online after turning to a plush orangutan toy for company, is now reported to be getting on well with his real-life zoo companions.

In an update on X, Ichikawa Zoo clarified that Punch was not being “scolded” by others, and was playing with baby monkeys.

“He continues to do well,” the zoo said.

New footage shows Punch staying close to a larger monkey and following it around the enclosure.

The zoo provided Punch with the orangutan toy to act as a “surrogate mother” when he was abandoned after birth at the zoo.

On Sunday, a huge crowd of people waited in line for their chance to see the monkey.