Ichikawa City Zoo says Punch, other monkeys are safe after 2 arrested for breaking into enclosure
Two people were arrested this week after an individual entered an animal enclosure at Japan's Ichikawa Zoo that houses the viral baby monkey Punch, the zoo said Sunday.
The incident took place Sunday morning in the Japanese macaque enclosure, according to the zoo. Video footage shared online shows an individual wearing a costume jumping down into the enclosure, prompting the monkeys to rush to the top of a rock structure as the intruder walks around before being pulled aside by a zoo employee.
The zoo said in a social media post that same day that two individuals, including the one they described as the "intruder in question," were "handed over" to police following the incident.
In a series of follow-up posts on Monday, the zoo said the the macaques in the enclosure are safe, and the zoo is strengthening its security measures as a result of the incident, including adding security patrols, installing "intrusion prevention nets" in the area and expanding the enclosure's viewing restriction zone.
Zoo officials said the "safety and health" of the animals is their priority, and they will take "strict action against any violations of our rules."
ABC News' Japanese partner network NHK reported that the two men arrested are U.S. nationals in their 20s. One is not cooperating with police, and the other has denied the allegations, according to the network.
ABC News attempted to reach police in Ichikawa, located just east of Tokyo, for comment on the arrests but was unsuccessful.
Punch, a Japanese macaque or snow monkey, gained viral attention earlier this year after videos showed him bonding with an orangutan plushie after he was abandoned by his birth mom due to her own health issues, according to zoo officials.
A video of Punch seeking comfort from the stuffed orangutan after he was violently dragged by another monkey resonated with many online.
A viral hashtag also circulated on social media showing support for the baby monkey, who will turn 1 in July.
