Japan Charges Two American Men: One Climbed Fence into 'Punch Kung' Enclosure, Other Filmed Video
Two American men were arrested at Japan's Ichikawa Zoo after one jumped into the enclosure of viral sensation Punch Kung, a 9-month-old macaque, while the other filmed the stunt promoting cryptocurrency. No animals were injured, but the zoo
Japanese police have revealed the arrest of two American nationals involved in an incident at Ichikawa Zoo in Chiba Prefecture on the morning of Sunday, May 17. One of the suspects jumped into the enclosure of 'Punch Kung,' a 9-month-old Japanese macaque who has captured the hearts of the internet and attracted numerous tourists to Ichikawa, while the other suspect filmed the incident. Authorities disclosed that a 24-year-old man claiming to be a college student is accused of scaling a fence to enter Punch's enclosure, and a 27-year-old man claiming to be a singer was responsible for recording the video. Both men initially denied the allegations. Video footage posted on social media by visitors shows a man in a costume covering his head and face climbing over a fence into the snow monkey enclosure. Reports indicate the costume was used to promote a cryptocurrency. The costumed man was then seen walking around one section of the enclosure before animal care staff intervened and brought him inside, after which police arrived to arrest him and charge him with obstructing business operations. The zoo stated that no monkeys were injured and is implementing preventive measures against future incidents, including expanding restricted viewing areas and installing anti-intrusion netting. The facility is also considering a complete ban on video recording around the exhibit and has temporarily suspended approval for YouTuber filming requests.
