Two American tourists face criminal charges in Japan after one climbed into a zoo enclosure housing Punch, a baby macaque who became an internet sensation earlier this year, authorities confirmed Monday.

The Incident at Ichikawa City Zoo

Reid Jahnai Dayson, 24, and Neal Jabahri Duan, 27, were arrested Sunday outside Tokyo after Dayson scaled a fence and dropped into a dry moat surrounding the monkey exhibit at Ichikawa City Zoo. Duan allegedly filmed the entire incident. Dayson wore a costume featuring a smiley face head with sunglasses during the stunt, causing the monkeys to scatter in alarm. Zoo officials quickly apprehended both men before they could approach the animals. No injuries to the macaques were reported.

Punch the Monkey’s Fame

Punch captured global attention after his mother rejected him following birth. Videos showing the baby macaque clinging desperately to a stuffed orangutan for comfort went viral, melting hearts worldwide. The zoo became a destination for tourists hoping to see the famous infant. Social media images from Sunday’s incident show a person in costume climbing the enclosure fence, prompting immediate outrage from zoo visitors and online commenters who criticized the Americans for endangering the animals and ruining the experience for legitimate guests.

Growing Tourist Behavior Problems

The arrests highlight mounting frustration among Japanese locals over disruptive foreign visitors. A Ukrainian content creator was recently arrested for trespassing in the Fukushima nuclear exclusion zone. In 2023, an American known as Johnny Somali faced charges for trespassing at a construction site and disrupting a restaurant. He was fined approximately 1,400 dollars, deported, and banned from returning to Japan. Zoo management announced increased security measures around the monkey enclosure following Sunday’s breach.

What Comes Next

Japanese authorities continue investigating the incident as tourism to the country reaches record levels. Local residents expressed exasperation with visitors who prioritize social media content over respecting cultural norms and animal welfare. One zoo patron summarized the sentiment online, writing that people simply want to watch the monkeys in peace without disruptions. The charges against Dayson and Duan could result in significant fines and deportation, mirroring consequences faced by other foreign nationals who violated Japanese law while creating content.