2 Americans arrested for entering viral monkey Punch's habitat in Japan

Two U.S. nationals in their 20s were arrested Sunday after one climbed into the enclosure of Punch — Japan's viral internet-celebrity monkey — at Ichikawa City Zoo, while the other filmed the stunt, according to NHK.

The breach prompted immediate security upgrades at the zoo and drew international coverage, illustrating the real-world risks that follow when an animal becomes a global online phenomenon and draws visitors from around the world.

One of the two men, dressed in a costume, climbed into Punch's habitat on Sunday while the other recorded the incident, NHK reported. No video of the stunt has been publicly released. Both individuals are American citizens in their 20s, the New York Times reported.

Punch rose to global internet fame earlier in 2026 after the young monkey was abandoned and began carrying a stuffed toy monkey as a companion, according to NHK. The footage spread rapidly across social media, making Punch one of the most-watched animals in the world and prompting visitors from multiple countries to travel to the zoo.

Following the arrests, Ichikawa City Zoo announced it will restrict the public viewing area around Punch's enclosure, install intrusion-prevention netting and institute permanent patrols, NHK reported. Those measures are set to take effect Tuesday.

The New York Times also covered the arrests — a reflection of the widespread international attention Punch had attracted since going viral. Authorities have not publicly identified the two men.

Ichikawa City Zoo's reinforced security measures — including new netting and permanent patrols — are expected to take effect Tuesday, according to NHK.