Cuddly Chaos: How One Monkey Turned an IKEA Plush into a Viral Sensation

In a heartwarming twist that many wouldn’t expect, a plush orangutan toy from IKEA has become the center of a resale frenzy thanks to Punch, a monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. Photos of Punch snuggling the DJUNGELSKOG plush went viral, instantly capturing the hearts of people worldwide. This unexpected fame led to a mad dash for shoppers, with eBay listings exploding to prices as high as $350, far beyond the toy’s original price of just $20.

IKEA stores in Japan, the United States, and South Korea are now scrambling to restock, as demand has never been higher. In a lovely show of goodwill, IKEA Japan even donated additional plush toys to the zoo to enhance the experience for visiting kids. It seems a single image of one affectionate monkey has created a delightful ripple effect, bringing attention to the joy of comfort items while turning a simple toy into a sought-after treasure.

For anyone who thought the plush toy market was boring, this viral phenomenon makes it clear that sometimes the simplest moments can lead to outsized impacts. Plus, who could have guessed one monkey’s cuddle buddy would turn into something that makes both hearts and wallets lighter?