Japan’s Viral Monkey Punch Targeted Again as Zoo Condemns Dangerous Laser Incident
Ichikawa City Zoo, home to the viral baby Japanese macaque Punch, has reported another disturbing incident after someone allegedly aimed a laser pointer into the monkey enclosure and shared footage of the act online.
According to officials, the incident is believed to have taken place around one week before it was publicly disclosed, although staff confirmed that none of the monkeys suffered any physical injuries.
In a video that first appeared online on June 24, the monkey enclosure is shown being filmed while flashes of green light, possibly from a laser pointer, briefly appear.
Zoo representatives warned that directing laser pointers at animals is extremely dangerous, as the intense light can cause significant stress and, in the most serious cases, permanent eye damage or blindness.
The facility stated that anyone caught using a laser pointer inside the zoo will be removed immediately and could face further action due to the potential risk posed to the animals.
Punch rose to international fame after visitors shared heartwarming images and videos of the young Japanese macaque cuddling an orangutan plush toy following abandonment by his mother, quickly attracting attention from animal lovers around the world.
The latest incident comes just weeks after another major security breach placed Punch and the rest of the macaque troop at the centre of unwanted attention.
On May 17, 2026, two American nationals were arrested after orchestrating an unauthorized stunt inside the monkey enclosure, with one individual climbing into the restricted habitat wearing a full mascot costume while carrying a teddy bear as the other filmed the event from outside.
The unexpected intrusion frightened the macaques, causing them to flee to the highest point of the enclosure before zoo staff quickly intervened and removed the trespasser without any animals being physically harmed.
Authorities later identified the suspects as 24-year-old university student Reid Jahnai Dayson and 27-year-old singer Neal Jabahri Duan, who were investigated on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.
Investigators later revealed that the trespassing incident had been staged as a publicity stunt promoting a cryptocurrency meme coin, drawing widespread criticism after details emerged online.
The two men were subsequently fined ¥300,000 each (approx. $1,900 USD / £1,500 GBP) in early June following the incident.
In response to both the trespassing case and the latest laser pointer incident, the zoo has continued strengthening measures designed to protect its animals, including expanding restricted viewing areas around the monkey enclosure.
Officials have reiterated that the welfare of Punch and the rest of the macaque troop remains their highest priority as they work to prevent any further disturbances caused by irresponsible visitors.
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