Oxford Professor Explains Brain's Reaction When Watching Video of Monkey Hugging Toy

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - A baby macaque monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan has suddenly gone viral after its story touched millions of internet users. The male monkey, named Punch, was rejected by its mother shortly after birth and is now seen constantly hugging an orangutan doll as a ‘surrogate mother’.

Photos of Punch curled up while holding the furry doll have been widely shared, even sparking the hashtag #HangInTherePunch. Many have said they couldn’t help but feel moved when seeing it.

Scientific Explanation: Our Brains ‘Activate’ in a Fraction of a Second

This phenomenon has not only touched hearts but also attracted the attention of scientists. Professor of neuroscience from the University of Oxford, Morten Kringelbach, explained what actually happens in the brain when we see a figure like Punch.

According to him, a small creature with ‘baby’ characteristics like Punch, with large eyes and a tiny body, triggers a rapid response in the emotional part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex. This activation occurs in just a fraction of a second, even before we are fully aware.

“That’s why we spontaneously say ‘aww’,” he explained, quoted from the official Instagram account @oxford_uni, Thursday (26/2/2026).

The response to things that are considered cute is not just an ordinary reaction. When someone opens up to feelings of cuteness, they also open up space for empathy and compassion.

According to Kringelbach, Punch’s story touches us because it reminds us of the most basic thing as humans, namely the need to be cared for and the ability to care.

Seeing a baby animal seeking comfort in a doll, after being rejected by its mother, triggers cross-species empathy. There is a reflection on the fragility of early life, as well as the importance of warmth and protection.

Punch’s story is not just going viral because it is cute. It is a reminder that the instinct to care for and feel connected is part of a deep brain mechanism that makes us able to empathise, both with humans and animals.

And perhaps, in the midst of the fast-paced flow of content, that is why a photo of a small monkey hugging a doll can feel so touching.

Reason Why Punch Was Abandoned by Its Mother

Punch was born on July 26, 2025, weighing about 500 grams. Its mother’s delivery was said to be difficult in the middle of summer. After giving birth to her first child, the mother is believed to have been exhausted and showed no signs of wanting to care for her baby.

The zoo keepers then took over the care. They temporarily separated Punch from its group and gave it milk to keep it healthy.

According to the zoo, child abandonment can occur in a certain percentage, especially in first births. In groups of mountain monkeys, there are usually other mothers who help, but this time no one took on that role.

Because baby monkeys usually hold onto their mother’s fur for security as well as to exercise their muscles, the keepers tried various ‘substitutes’ such as rolled-up towels and several dolls. Of all these options, Punch actually liked the furry orangutan doll the most.

The texture of the fur that is easy to grip and its shape that resembles another primate is believed to provide a sense of comfort. At night, Punch is seen hugging the doll while sleeping.