An IKEA stuffed animal has become an international sensation after a heartwarming story about a Japanese snow monkey went viral. The Djungelskog monkey plush, which normally sells for 149 Swedish kronor, is now selling out in multiple countries and being resold for up to 1,000 kronor on secondary markets.
The surge in popularity is linked to Punch, a snow monkey at Ichikawa City Zoo outside Tokyo. According to reports, Punch was abandoned by his mother at birth in July 2025 and has since been bullied by other monkeys in the zoo. Viral videos show the young monkey clinging to the IKEA stuffed animal for comfort, which has touched millions of viewers worldwide.
best seller
IKEA spokesperson Fredrik Norrlid confirmed the product has become a 'best seller' in Sweden and is sold out in several countries including the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The company has reportedly donated additional stuffed animals to the Japanese zoo.
On resale platforms like Vinted and Tradera, the Djungelskog monkey is being listed for significantly higher prices than its retail value, with some sellers asking up to 1,000 kronor. The stuffed animal has even been dubbed 'Punch monkey' by some resellers.
very warm and nice pictures
Norrlid acknowledged the viral videos, describing them as 'very warm and nice pictures' that have moved viewers. While IKEA cannot control resale prices after purchase, the company has seen a 200 percent sales increase in Australia over just one week, according to reports.