A rescued baby monkey has melted hearts after cuddling up to a soft toy for comfort.
The male infant was found alone on a road in a rural region by a local resident.
When they realised the monkey’s parents weren’t around, they called wildlife experts to help.
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The cute infant was given a soft toy to cling to for comfort at the Cornare wildlife centre in El Santuario, Antioquia Department, Colombia.
The centre shared a heartwarming clip of the primate hugging the toy dog.
The animal was also seen being fed by a volunteer wearing a monkey mask to appear familiar to him.
The aim of the soft toy is to partially replicate the natural bond he would have had with his parents while receiving human care.
The video went viral on Instagram with 125,000 views and hundreds of comments, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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As a result, locals dubbed the monkey ‘the Antioquian Punch’ after the cute baby macaque that was abandoned by his mother at a Japanese zoo.
Last month, Punch went viral after he was filmed cuddling an orangutan plushie that was used as a surrogate mother.
In the latest case in Colombia, experts hope the infant will be able to return to his natural habitat after a period of assisted rearing.
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Cornare biologist Juan Pablo Giraldo explained: “This little grey titi monkey arrived at our centre after a person found it alone and abandoned.
“At this time, he is in the process of assisted rearing where he hugs a stuffed animal to fulfil the need of bonding to his parents.”
The centre called it the “most heartwarming thing you will see today”.
They added: “Yes, it stole our hearts!
“Our greatest wish is that, when he’s ready, he can return to his natural habitat and reunite with others of his kind.”
The centre said he is also receiving the appropriate nutrition for normal growth and development.
They have yet to officially name the titi monkey.
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