Two American men have been arrested in Japan after one of them broke into the Ichikawa City Zoo enclosure of Punch, the baby monkey who became an internet sensation earlier this year. One of them entered the monkey enclosure while the second man recorded the incident. Here’s what happened.
Two Men Broke Into Ichikawa Zoo’s Enclosure Of Punch
Japanese police reportedly arrested an American crypto bro who illegally entered Punch the monkey’s zoo enclosure.
The man’s friend, who was filming it, was arrested too. He told police: “I did not enter the fenced area, so this arrest is not justified”pic.twitter.com/I7BIeYQbEI https://t.co/Lp24zHoZCi— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) May 18, 2026
Punch is a viral baby Japanese macaque (snow monkey) living at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. The monkey became an international sensation earlier this year because of his sad backstory. Punch was abandoned at birth but learned to cope with the help of a stuffed orangutan toy. The zoo in Japan witnessed an influx of tourists over the last few months as many people visited to see Punch.
But according to India Today, two American tourists broke the rules at the zoo. One of the men, a 24-year-old, climbed over a barrier and entered the monkey enclosure while the second man, a 27-year-old, recorded the incident. Both of them have been arrested, and the authorities have also tightened security at the zoo. A video showing the incident was posted by X user @mrjeffu.
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Viral Video Sparks Anger Online
According to India Today, the man entered the zoo wearing a costume with a smiling emoji head. He was also seen carrying a stuffed toy. Fortunately, no animals were harmed during the incident. The videos showing the man climbing into the enclosure have gone viral. Naturally, people are furious, and the incident has raised concerns over visitor behaviour at the zoo.
Both men are currently in custody on suspicion of trespassing and obstructing operations. Moreover, the authorities are also considering installing anti-intrusion nets and expanding restricted viewing zones near the monkey enclosure. The Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan is also planning to ban filming near the enclosure and temporarily suspend shooting requests from content creators.
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What do you think of this incident?
Cover Image Courtesy: @mrjeffu/X and @Dexerto/X
FAQs
Who is Punch monkey?
Punch is a baby Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan who became viral online.
Where does Punch monkey live?
Punch lives at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan.
What animals are in Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan?
The Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan is home to monkeys, red pandas, miniature pigs, capybaras, meerkats, raccoon dogs, and more.