Two US nationals have been taken into custody in Japan after intentionally entering the enclosure at Ichikawa City Zoo where the viral baby macaque Punch is kept.
Reid Jahnai Daysun, 24, and Neal Jabahri Duan, 27, were arrested on Sunday by officers from Ichikawa police and remain detained while authorities continue their investigation.
Zoo staff reportedly stopped the pair quickly after the incident. They are suspected of forcible obstruction of business, according to The Japan Times.
Reports state that Daysun, a 24-year-old college student, got into the exhibit by leaping a fence and climbing down into the dry moat that surrounds the monkey area.
He was wearing a brightly coloured outfit along with a smiley-face mask and sunglasses, making him highly noticeable during the stunt.
Police say the situation worsened when Duan, 27, recorded the episode, with reports suggesting it was linked to an online and crypto-related promotion.
The unauthorised entry triggered chaos inside the enclosure, alarming the macaques and causing them to rush away from the intruders.
Zoo personnel intervened before either man could get close to the animals, and officials say none of the macaques were harmed.
While being questioned, the two men reportedly gave false names at first. They have been accused of forcible obstruction of business, a charge they deny.
The zoo is home to about 60 macaques, though it is believed Punch was the main reason the pair targeted this particular exhibit.
Punch became an internet favourite earlier this year after images circulated of him holding an orange orangutan plush toy, drawing widespread attention online.
Born in July last year, the young macaque was reportedly rejected by his mother and appeared to rely on the teddy for comfort, especially after being ‘scolded’ by other monkeys in the enclosure.
Since his rise to global fame, visitor numbers have increased sharply, with many people travelling to the zoo specifically to see the young primate.
That surge has also fed into broader discussion around visitor behaviour in Japan, particularly following disruptive incidents associated with content creators.
The two men have not been released on bail, as immediate bail is generally not available in Japan right after an arrest. They are being held as police continue inquiries and questioning.
If found guilty, they could receive a prison sentence of up to three years or be ordered to pay a substantial fine.