Two U.S. nationals arrested after alleged break-in at Japanese zoo enclosure
Ichikawa police arrested two U.S. nationals Sunday on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business after one allegedly entered the enclosure of Punch, a young macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo, authorities and news reports said.
Videos circulating online appear to show a person in an emoji costume climbing over a barrier into the macaque area and dropping a small stuffed toy near the animals, causing them to retreat, Agence France-Presse reported. Zoo staff intervened and officials said neither suspect made physical contact with the monkeys, AFP reported.
AFP identified the suspects as a 24-year-old college student and a 27-year-old self-described singer. Ichikawa police told AFP the men were arrested on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that one suspect was not cooperating with police while the other denied the allegations.
In a statement posted to X on May 17, Ichikawa City Zoo said the two individuals had been handed over to police, safety inspections were conducted and no animals were injured. “Around 10:50 today, there was an intruder in Saruyama,” the zoo wrote, and it announced temporary viewing-area closures and increased security while operations continued.
The zoo said Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after his July 2025 birth and was hand-raised by zookeepers. Agence France-Presse reported the initial details, and NHK provided additional reporting.
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