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Punch the monkey makes new friends after bullying video goes viral
Punch, the young macaque from Japan, has captured the hearts of many with his endearing antics. Recently, a video circulating online shows Punch seeking warmth and connection, not with his beloved stuffed toy, but with a fellow macaque. In a heartwarming display of social behavior typical among young macaques, Punch climbs onto the back of his companion for a cherished “piggyback ride.” Punch’s journey to fame began last year when the world learned of his story—his birth followed by the sad abandonment by his mother.
In a startling development, two American nationals were taken into custody in Japan this past Sunday. The arrests came after one of them allegedly made their way into Punch’s enclosure at the Ichikawa City Zoo. Punch had become an internet sensation thanks to his adorable attachment to a stuffed orangutan toy.
Footage making rounds on the internet reveals a person dressed in an emoji costume scaling the barrier into the macaque habitat. The individual then tossed a small stuffed toy close to the animals, causing a momentary stir as the startled macaques scurried away. This incident was reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), shedding light on the unusual intrusion.
The identities of the suspects have been disclosed as a 24-year-old college student and a 27-year-old who identifies as a singer, as per information from AFP.
In a snapshot from February 19, 2026, Punch is seen comfortably nestled with his stuffed orangutan toy at the Ichikawa City Zoo, a sight that continues to delight visitors and online audiences alike. (Photo Credit: 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.Â
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.