$20 to $350: IKEA’s plush orangutan becomes viral sensation thanks to monkey

IKEA’s plush orangutan Djungelskog has officially sold out, with the $20 toy now fetching more than ten times its retail price on eBay.

The cuddly toy became a global collectible hit after starring in a viral story about a macaque named Punch at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan.

Seven-month-old Punch received one of the IKEA toys for comfort after being rejected by his mother and other monkeys in the enclosure.

Heartwarming photos of Punch cuddling and playing with the orangutan quickly spread worldwide, prompting sell-outs of the toy in IKEA stores across the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.

Local media report that Punch treats the plush as a surrogate mother—sleeping, eating, and playing with it—surprising zookeepers and melting hearts across Japan and beyond.

Last week, Petra Fare, President and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Japan, visited Ichikawa Zoo to gift Punch several replacement Djungelskog toys so he would always have a soft companion.

Online fans eagerly snapped up the toys, leading to a complete sell-out at IKEA. One enterprising buyer purchased 17 orangutans and is now reselling them on eBay for $51.99 each. Some are willing to pay even more: as of Tuesday, a single Djungelskog was listed for $350.

Meanwhile, thousands of tourists are flocking to the zoo to see Punch with his plush friend. Long lines form outside the enclosure, with zookeepers noting, “We’ve never seen anything like this.”

According to the zoo, Punch is “gradually interacting with the other monkeys in the group.”

“Every day is a new experience for him: he gets groomed, plays with others, gets scolded, and learns how to live in a group like a real monkey!” the zookeepers said.