Punch the monkey makes new friends after bullying video goes viral
Punch, a young macaque from Japan, has captured the hearts of many with his recent viral video. Instead of seeking comfort from his beloved stuffed toy, Punch can be seen engaging in a vital social behavior by climbing onto another monkey’s back for a “piggyback ride,” an essential interaction for young macaques. His rise to fame began last year following his birth and subsequent abandonment by his mother.
In a surprising twist, two American nationals found themselves in hot water after allegedly breaching Punch’s enclosure at Ichikawa City Zoo. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday, involved one individual reportedly dressed in an emoji costume. The two Americans, identified as a 24-year-old college student and a 27-year-old aspiring singer, stirred quite a commotion.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP), the costume-clad intruder scaled a barrier into the macaque enclosure and dropped a small stuffed toy near the monkeys, which understandably startled the animals, causing them to retreat.
A photo taken on February 19, 2026, captures Punch sitting alongside his stuffed orangutan toy, an image that has become emblematic of his story. Despite the intrusion, zoo staff acted swiftly, and authorities confirmed that neither of the suspects had any physical interaction with the monkeys, as reported by AFP.
This photo taken on Feb. 19, 2026 shows Punch sitting with his stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa City Zoo. (JIJI PRESS / AFP via Getty Images)
Zoo staff quickly intervened, and authorities said neither suspect made physical contact with the monkeys, according to AFP.
Ichikawa Police told AFP the two men were arrested on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.
One suspect was not cooperating with police, while the other denied the allegations, according to reports citing NHK.
In a statement posted to X on May 17, Ichikawa City Zoo confirmed the pair had been turned over to police and said safety inspections were conducted afterward.
Punch is seen with his stuffed animal on Feb. 20, 2026. (Photo by David Mareuil/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Officials added that no animals were injured during the incident.
“Around 10:50 today, there was an intruder in Saruyama,” the zoo wrote. “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 viewing-area closures and enhanced security measures while operations continued as scheduled.
Punch became a viral sensation earlier this year after zoo staff gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for comfort. (@20230605x_x via Storyful)
The monkey had been abandoned by his mother shortly after birth in July 2025, prompting zookeepers to hand-raise him.
