India, March 20 -- A baby macaque captured global attention for clinging to a stuffed toy after being abandoned by his mother. He is now going viral again; this time for forming a close bond with another monkey.

Punch-kun, who lives at Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden, has been seen cuddling, grooming and playfully interacting with a female macaque named Momo-chan, according to videos shared online. Some clips appear to show the pair exchanging affectionate gestures, prompting social media users to dub her his "girlfriend."

The zoo has acknowledged Punch-kun's improving social behaviour, noting that he is gradually integrating into the troop. Earlier concerns about him being isolated were addressed in a statement, which exp...