On February 24, 2026, emotional videos began spreading online claiming that Valerie Starfen flew to Ichikawa, Japan, in a private jet to rescue a bullied baby monkey named Punch.
The story quickly went viral. Many users believed she adopted the monkey and brought him home.
However, the claim is false.
What Did the Viral Videos Claim?
The videos showed a tiny baby monkey being bullied by older monkeys.
The infant, called “Punch,” appeared scared and alone. In some clips, the baby was seen clutching a stuffed orangutan toy.
Posts claimed Valerie Starfen confronted zoo officials in Japan and adopted the monkey after seeing him bullied.
Some videos were labeled “Part 2 of adopting Punch” and even showed what was described as his “first day at home.”
The dramatic rescue story triggered strong emotional reactions online.
Are the Videos Real?
A closer look reveals major red flags.
There is no verified evidence that Valerie Starfen traveled to Japan. No Japanese zoo or wildlife authority has confirmed any adoption.
Experts also noticed digital inconsistencies in the viral clips. The monkey’s movements, facial expressions, and background details show signs of AI generation.
The adoption storyline and homecoming videos were created using artificial intelligence.
The Real Context Behind the Monkey Footage
The baby monkey seen in the clips appears to be a Japanese macaque.
Young macaques rely heavily on physical contact with their mothers. They cling to them for warmth, safety, and emotional comfort.
If separated, they may hold objects as substitutes. That explains why the baby in the video was shown holding a stuffed toy.
This biological behavior made the videos feel believable and emotional.
But the dramatic rescue narrative is fictional.
Why This Story Spread So Fast
Animal rescue stories often go viral because they trigger empathy.
When viewers saw a small monkey being bullied and then “rescued,” they reacted emotionally.
AI-generated content can now look very realistic. That makes it harder for people to separate fact from fiction.
Final Verdict
Valerie Starfen did not fly to Japan.
She did not rescue or adopt baby monkey Punch.
The viral videos are AI-generated and the storyline is fabricated.
Users should verify emotional rescue stories before sharing them online.
