IKEA Orangutan Plush Becomes Rare Commodity After Baby Monkey Bond

IKEA's DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plush is flying off shelves after viral videos of Punch, an orphaned baby macaque in Japan, show him bonding with the toy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 7:52 AM EST

Source: People

The Story of Punch and His Plush

Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. To ensure his survival, zookeepers provided him with the IKEA orangutan to facilitate "clinging"—a vital instinctive behavior for macaques. The toy acted as a surrogate mother, providing the physical comfort necessary for Punch to develop the strength and confidence to eventually join his troop. Photos of the tiny monkey hugging the much larger plush have since garnered millions of views.

Retail Impact: The "Click & Collect" Surge

The emotional connection fans feel toward Punch has translated directly into retail data. In the United States, IKEA representatives have noted a massive spike in demand:

Sell-outs: Stores in regional hubs, such as Draper, Utah, report being completely out of stock across the entire market.

Online Dominance: The "Click & Collect" feature has been the primary driver of the shortage, with stock being claimed within minutes of replenishment.