SouthernWorldwide.com – Two American tourists were apprehended in Japan on Sunday following an alleged intrusion into the enclosure of Punch, a young macaque that gained widespread online fame for its unusual companionship with a stuffed orangutan toy.
Videos that have surfaced online appear to depict an individual, clad in an emoji costume, scaling a barrier and entering the Japanese macaque enclosure. The person then reportedly dropped a small stuffed toy near the animals, causing them to become startled and retreat, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The suspects have been identified as a 24-year-old college student and a 27-year-old individual who describes himself as a singer, AFP reported.
PUNCH THE MONKEY, VIRAL STAR, EXPERIENCES DRAMATIC BREAKTHROUGH AMONG ZOO MATES
Zoo personnel swiftly intervened in the incident. Authorities confirmed that neither suspect made any physical contact with the monkeys, as per AFP’s report.
Ichikawa Police informed AFP that the two men were arrested on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.
Reports citing NHK indicated that one suspect was not cooperating with the police investigation, while the other denied the allegations made against him.
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In a statement released on X on May 17, the Ichikawa City Zoo confirmed that the individuals had been handed over to the police. The zoo also stated that safety inspections were conducted in the aftermath of the incident.
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Zoo officials further confirmed that no animals sustained any injuries during the event.
“Around 10:50 today, there was an intruder in Saruyama,” the zoo stated in their announcement. “We are informing you that the two individuals, including the intruder in question, have been handed over to the police.”
The zoo also announced temporary closures of viewing areas and the implementation of enhanced security measures. Operations at the zoo, however, continued as scheduled.
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Punch, the macaque in question, was reportedly abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth in July 2025. This event prompted zookeepers to undertake the task of hand-raising him.
