9 Punch the Monkey memes that every student will relate to  

If you haven’t cried over Punch the Monkey, it’s either because you haven’t seen videos of the viral baby macaque or because you don’t have a heart.  

In the case of the first scenario, let me explain: Punch is a young Japanese macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan who was devastatingly rejected by his mother. Bullied by other monkeys in the enclosure, Punch has been given a monkey soft toy by his zookeepers, which he drags around and holds adorably to seek comfort.  

The whole situation just tugs at your heart strings. But humans being humans, many have turned this sad sight into some humorous meme. Here are 10 memes we find utterly relatable for students across the globe.  

​​

1. Punch being pet through the phone  

Sadly, Punch does not know (or could ever really fathom) that the internet has rallied behind him and wishes they could comfort the little creature.  

For international students, this meme is totally how we wish it could happen when we’re abroad.  

Someone created an AI video of Punch getting revenge from the zoo monkeys that were bullying him pic.twitter.com/sJOfvBMAz9

— kira (@kirawontmiss) February 22, 2026

 2. AI Punch defeating all the other monkeys  

This AI video of Punch fighting back is totally me fantasising about all the comebacks I could’ve had… after the fact, of course. Alas, reality is often different.  

 3. Punch lying on his stuffed animal starting at the sky  

The best and arguably only word to summarise this picture is: mood.  

I’ve said enough.  

IKEA employee says everyone is rushing to buy the stuffed monkey after Punch, a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, stole hearts by snuggling a plush toy for comfort when his mother abandoned him.

He adds that, contrary to reports, they still have the toy in stock, and… pic.twitter.com/j6JgI9UkjT

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) February 22, 2026

4. Everyone rushing to buy the IKEA plushies  

You know what, I get it. Sometimes all you need is a little trinket or stuffed toy to feel better. Punch certainly agrees, and that monkey has been through a lot.  

So, if you’re feeling down in the dumps and attacked by life on all fronts, consider buying a little plushie. No, this is not sponsored by IKEA.   

5. Punch dragging his stuffed animal away  

You may have seen the meme of “Don’t talk to me or my son ever again!” This has the same energy.  

This image reminds us of when our class project gets a dismal grade and or poor feedback, but we still really believe in it. We’ve all been there, right?  

 6. Punch sitting away from the other monkeys  

This picture is giving new freshman sitting away from the scary group of seniors. Don’t mind us, just crying in a corner at the club…  

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MEMEZAR • MEMES & MEME-CULTURE (@memezar)

7. Punch “glowing up”  

Using an altered image from “Planet of the Apes,” this meme humorously imagines Punch in 2030 as a buff “monkey” coming back for revenge.  

For students, this might just be what we imagine ourselves in freshman year versus when we finally graduate.  

This might feel particularly relevant to students going back to their home country after years studying abroad.  

8. Punch getting the warm hug he always deserved

Punch finally being welcomed by the other monkeys might have been one of the best wholesome stories to come out this year, on par with Winter Olympics gold medalist Alysia Liu’s win.  

Punch being hugged is reminding us of when an introverted student finally gets adopted by an extrovert. Few truly understand the relief you get when finding a social butterfly you know in a crowded room.  

9. Punch holding his stuffed animal

Yes, the world might be cruel, just like how some of the monkeys were to Punch. Still, we trudge on with some humours and some memes.  

Although the “brainrot” epidemic is real, it’s understandable why many of us scroll through online content, memes, and other coping mechanisms to feel better.   

We hope these memes make you feel better – and that Punch’s story inspires some hope in you!