Punch the monkey makes new friends after bullying video goes viral
This video reveals Punch, a younger macaque in Japan who has gone viral, in search of bodily contact not from his stuffed toy, however from one other monkey, finally climbing onto its again for a significant social habits for younger macaques often known as the “piggyback experience.” Punch gained fame after his delivery final yr and his abandonment by his mom.
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Two American nationals have been reportedly arrested in Japan on Sunday after one allegedly entered the enclosure of Punch, the younger macaque at Ichikawa Metropolis Zoo who turned well-known on-line for his inseparable bond with a stuffed orangutan toy.
Movies circulating on-line seem to point out an individual wearing an emoji costume climbing over a barrier into the Japanese macaque enclosure earlier than dropping a small stuffed toy close to the animals, startling them and inflicting them to retreat, in line with Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The suspects have been recognized as a 24-year-old school pupil and a 27-year-old self-described singer, AFP reported.
PUNCH THE MONKEY, VIRAL STAR, EXPERIENCES DRAMATIC BREAKTHROUGH AMONG ZOO MATES
This photograph taken on Feb. 19, 2026 reveals Punch sitting together with his stuffed orangutan toy at Ichikawa Metropolis Zoo. (JIJI PRESS / AFP by way of Getty Photographs)
Zoo workers shortly intervened, and authorities stated neither suspect made bodily contact with the monkeys, in line with AFP.
Ichikawa Police advised AFP the 2 males were arrested on suspicion of forcible obstruction of enterprise.
One suspect was not cooperating with police, whereas the opposite denied the allegations, in line with experiences citing NHK.
In a press release posted to X on Could 17, Ichikawa Metropolis Zoo confirmed the pair had been turned over to police and stated security inspections have been carried out afterward.
ORPHANED BABY MONKEY FINDS COMFORT IN STUFFED ANIMAL AFTER BEING ABANDONED BY MOTHER AT BIRTH
Punch is seen together with his stuffed animal on Feb. 20, 2026. (Photograph by David Mareuil/Anadolu by way of Getty Photographs)
Officers added that no animals have been injured throughout the incident.
“Round 10:50 as we speak, there was an intruder in Saruyama,” the zoo wrote. “We’re informing you that the 2 people, together with the intruder in query, have been handed over to the police.”
The zoo additionally introduced short-term viewing-area closures and enhanced safety measures whereas operations continued as scheduled.
SEVERAL MONKEYS STILL ON THE LOOSE IN ST LOUIS AS OFFICIALS CALL OFF SEARCH FOR ROAMING ANIMALS
Punch turned a viral sensation earlier this yr after zoo workers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy for consolation. (@20230605x_x by way of Storyful)
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The monkey had been deserted by his mom shortly after delivery in July 2025, prompting zookeepers to hand-raise him.
Fox Information Digital’s Khloe Quill contributed to this report.
