Punch the Monkey Gains New Friends After Viral Video

A video that went viral in Japan features Punch, a young monkey, searching for companionship with another monkey rather than his stuffed toy. In an adorable display of social behavior known as “piggybacking,” Punch eventually climbs onto the other monkey’s back. Punch, who was born last year, has garnered attention online after being abandoned by his mother.

Recently, two Americans were arrested in Japan after allegedly breaching the enclosure of Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo. The zoo’s star is known for his strong attachment to a stuffed orangutan.

Reports suggest a person in an emoji costume climbed over a fence to enter the enclosure, only to drop a small stuffed animal, which startled Punch and made him retreat. The suspects were identified as a 24-year-old university student and a 27-year-old who claims to be a singer.

Punch the Viral Sensation Faces Unusual Incident

Zoo staff acted quickly, and authorities confirmed that there was no physical contact between the suspects and the monkeys. Ichikawa police have arrested the two men on charges of obstructing business operations.

One suspect reportedly hasn’t been cooperative with police, while the other has denied the allegations, according to NHK. The Ichikawa City Zoo released a statement on May 17 acknowledging the situation and mentioned that a safety inspection had been conducted afterward.

Orphaned Monkey Finds Solace in Stuffed Animals

Officials reported no injuries to the animals during the incident. The zoo revealed that they had an intruder around 10:50 AM, and emphasized that the two individuals have been handed over to law enforcement.

Following the incident, the zoo has increased security measures and temporarily closed certain viewing areas, although operations continue as scheduled.

Punch was left alone at birth in July 2025, and staff raised him by hand, providing him with a stuffed orangutan for comfort. He quickly became a social media sensation after this heartwarming gesture.