Two arrested after alleged stunt in enclosure of viral monkey Punch: report
Punch the monkey makes new friends after bullying video goes viral
This video, which went viral in Japan, shows young macaque Punch seeking physical contact not with his stuffed toy but with another monkey, eventually climbing on its back for a vital social behavior for young macaques known as “back riding”. Punch rose to fame after his birth and abandonment by his mother last year.
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Two American citizens were reportedly arrested in Japan on Sunday after allegedly breaking into the enclosure of Punch, a young macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo who became internet famous for his inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan toy.
Videos circulating online show a person dressed in an emoji costume climbing over the barrier into the Japanese macaque enclosure, then dropping a small stuffed toy next to the animals, startling them and causing them to retreat. Agence France-Presse (AFP).
According to AFP, the suspects were identified as a 24-year-old university student and a 27-year-old singer.
MONKEY PUNCH, VIRAL STAR, EXPERIENCES A DRAMATIC BREAK AMONG HIS ZOO FRIENDS
This photo, taken on February 19, 2026, shows Punch sitting with his stuffed orangutan toy at the Ichikawa City Zoo. (JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
Zoo staff quickly responded and officials said neither suspect made physical contact with the monkeys, according to AFP.
Ichikawa Police told AFP that two men were arrested on suspicion of obstructing work by force.
According to reports based on NHK, one of the suspects was not cooperating with the police, while the other denied the allegations.
In a statement sent to
ORPHAN BABY MONKEY ABANDONED BY HIS MOTHER AT BIRTH WAS FOUND IN SOFT ANIMALS
Punch is seen with his stuffed animal on February 20, 2026. (Photo: David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Authorities added that no animals were injured during the incident.
“An uninvited guest arrived at Saruyama around 10:50 today,” the zoo wrote. “We inform you that two persons, including the intruder in question, have been handed over to the police.”
The zoo also announced that the viewing area was temporarily closed and increased security measures were taken while operations continued as planned.
WHILE AUTHORITIES STOP SEARCHING FOR ROAMING ANIMALS, MANY MONKEYS ARE STILL LEFT AWAY IN ST LOUIS
Punch became a viral sensation earlier this year when zoo staff gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort. (@20230605x_x, via Storyful)
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The monkey was abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth in July 2025, prompting zoo officials to hand-rear him.
Fox News Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
