Punch the Monkey Captivates Hearts, Sparking IKEA Plush Toy Craze

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AI Summary
Punch, a seven-month-old macaque from Ichikawa Zoo in Japan, has become an internet sensation due to his touching bond with a plush orangutan toy given to him as a substitute mother. After being abandoned shortly after birth in July, videos of Punch dragging the toy around have led to a surge in interest, causing the plush to sell out globally. IKEA is working to restock the popular toy, which retails for $19.99, as it has become a sought-after item, with limited availability in stores. The zoo has also seen a significant increase in visitors, with around 9,600 attending over a recent weekend, highlighting Punch's growing fame.
Key Details: • IKEA's plush orangutan, part of the Djungelskog collection, is priced at $19.99. • Punch's story has led to long queues at Ichikawa Zoo, limiting viewing time to 10 minutes. • The zoo reported over 47,000 visitors in February, more than double from the previous year. • IKEA plans to restock the plush toy soon due to high demand.