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