Japanese authorities have arrested two Americans after a disruptive stunt at Ichikawa Zoo.
The two men scared a young monkey, known worldwide as “Punch”, who racked up a million views thanks to his viral story.
As confirmed by Japanese police, the individuals are aged 24 and 27 and identified themselves as a student and a singer respectively.
The student climbed the fence and entered the monkey enclosure, while the singer filmed the act.
The video clip posted on social media showed the intruder dressed in a costume with a large smiling face and sunglasses, causing chaos among the monkeys scattered throughout the enclosure.
According to zoo officials, the man had no direct contact with the animals and was quickly escorted away by zoo staff. Neither animals nor people were injured.
The two men were arrested by police on suspicion of “forcible obstruction of business,” a crime they deny committing. Police added that the suspects initially attempted to provide false identities.
Punch, who is now nine months old, became an internet sensation after clinging to a stuffed orangutan after his mother abandoned him.
The zoo authorities gave him the toy to comfort him.
His case aroused widespread sympathy and attracted many visitors to the zoo, including visitors from other countries.
Following this affair, the zoo management decided to introduce stricter security measures. This will include expanding restricted viewing areas, installing protective netting and perhaps even banning filming in the area.
