A viral TikTok sensation has transformed a small Tokyo zoo into a must-visit destination. Punch, a 7-month-old Japanese macaque, captured global attention after videos showed him clinging to an Ikea Djungelskog orangutan toy, with the hashtag #HangInTherePunch racking up millions of views.

Visitors now flock to Ichikawa City Zoo, east of Tokyo, to catch a glimpse of the abandoned baby monkey cared for by zookeepers. The zoo has implemented 10-minute viewing limits as crowds surge, with admission priced at $2.80. Ikea's commercial manager confirmed the toy's sales have spiked, noting it was already a top seller before Punch's fame.

During a recent visit, the zoo revealed both charm and concern. While Punch appeared healthy with thick, dark fur, other macaques looked thin and balding in the stark concrete enclosure. Young adults and families, some carrying their own stuffed animals, lined up around a blue iron fence for photo opportunities. The zookeeper's twice-daily feeding rounds drew cheers as Punch perched on his shoulder, but the limited interaction and basic habitat raise questions about the long-term impact of viral animal fame on both the subject and the facility.