Viral videos have a unique way of stirring emotions, and none more so than the clip of Panch-kun, a baby Japanese macaque stealing the internet’s heart. Residing in Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo, this tiny primate was left by his exhausted mother post-delivery. A recent footage captures the drama: Panch-kun enjoying a snack before being playfully spun by an adult monkey, prompting a terrified flee to the safety of a soft orange toy he embraces like family.
Social media exploded with shares, comments pouring in about empathy and protection instincts that transcend species. ‘Such purity in seeking comfort,’ one user noted, echoing the sentiment of millions moved by the baby’s vulnerability.
Enter actor Anup Soni, whose Tuesday Instagram post linked this to his past project. ‘The little monkey clutching his toy broke me,’ he wrote alongside the video. It instantly brought back ‘Chintu,’ the short film where he portrayed a man reconnecting with childhood through a forgotten monkey plush amid an abandoned house. Directed by the talented Anubhav Anand, the story delved into lingering emotions in empty spaces.
Tragically, no other macaque in the troop stepped up to care for Panch-kun, underscoring wildlife’s harsh realities. Yet, his story has sparked global conversations on abandonment and solace, proving how one small video can evoke profound reflections on loss, memory, and the healing power of a simple hug.