Anyone who typed the phrase into Google was greeted with a whimsical animation: bright, graffiti-style hearts cascading across the screenIf your recent Google searches suddenly filled your screen with floating hearts, you’re definitely not the only one noticing the change. The viral keyword “Punch The Monkey” has sparked a global Easter egg moment, briefly transforming the familiar search page into a playful tribute to the internet’s newest animal sensation, a seven-month-old Japanese baby monkey named Punch.Anyone who typed the phrase into Google was greeted with a whimsical animation: bright, graffiti-style hearts cascading across the screen. The surprise feature has delighted users worldwide and amplified the buzz around the tiny Japanese macaque.The interactive nod appears to celebrate the overwhelming online love for Punch, a resident of Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, whose story has struck an emotional chord across social media. Google’s playful response, reportedly already associated with more than 9 million likes tied to the trend, mirrors the flood of heart and care emojis that have followed Punch’s viral rise.When triggered, the search page erupts into a shower of colourful hearts, occasionally dotted with stylised baby monkey icons. Unlike many of Google’s Easter eggs that are tied to film promotions or gaming launches, this one seems to simply reflect the internet’s collective affection. It’s a rare instance of global online unity, with users from Tokyo to New York rallying around the same tiny primate.Who is Punch the monkey?Born in July 2025, Panchi-kun–known internationally as Punch–is a Japanese macaque who was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth at Ichikawa City Zoo. An alert visitor first spotted the situation and notified zoo staff. Normally, baby macaques cling tightly to their mothers, which helps them build strength and feel secure. Because Punch missed out on that early bonding, zookeepers had to intervene quickly.Zookeeper Kosuke Shikano told Reuters that the team tested several comfort substitutes–including rolled towels and different plush toys–before settling on an orange, bug-eyed orangutan soft toy from IKEA.“This stuffed animal has relatively long hair and several easy places to hold,” Shikano said. “We thought that its resemblance to a monkey might help Punch integrate back into the troop later on, and that’s why we chose it.”Story continues below this adSince then, Punch has rarely been seen without the oversized plush companion, often dragging it along despite it being bigger than him. The heartwarming sight has drawn crowds to the zoo ever since videos of the pair went viral online.Punch trend catches onThe monkey’s popularity has even spilt into public messaging. Mumbai Police recently tapped into the viral moment to promote the 112 emergency helpline, cleverly using the hashtag #JustPunchIn112. By linking Punch’s search for comfort and safety to emergency awareness, the campaign reminds citizens that help is always just a “punch” away on the keypad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mumbai Police (@mumbaipolice)