Two American men were arrested in Japan on May 18, 2026, after one climbed into the enclosure of a viral baby macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo, outside Tokyo, police confirmed. The incident followed a surge in global attention for the infant monkey, whose story of being raised in an artificial environment after being rejected by his mother sparked widespread online support under the hashtag #HangInTherePunch.
The 24-year-old suspect, identified by police as Reid Jahnai Dayson, a university student, scaled a fence and dropped into a dry moat surrounding Punch’s exhibit on May 17. His accomplice, 27-year-old Neal Jabahri Duan, a self-described singer, filmed the stunt. Both men were quickly apprehended by zoo staff and later arrested by Ichikawa police, who stated they face charges of forcible obstruction of business, a claim the suspects deny.
Social media footage showed Dayson wearing a costume featuring a smiley-face head with sunglasses, which reportedly startled the monkeys into scattering. Zoo officials confirmed no animals were harmed, and the facility has since installed intrusion prevention nets and increased patrols around Punch’s enclosure. The zoo also announced plans to restrict access to the exhibit and potentially ban video recording at the site.
The arrests highlight the growing challenges faced by Ichikawa City Zoo since Punch’s rise to fame. The zoo has reported an unprecedented influx of domestic and international visitors, overwhelming staff and infrastructure. Local residents have expressed frustration over unruly behavior from tourists, including trespassing and disruptions to the animals’ habitat.
Punch’s story gained traction in early 2026 after the zoo shared images of him clutching an IKEA plush orangutan for comfort. Born in July 2025, he was raised in an artificial environment before beginning training to rejoin his troop earlier this year. His plight resonated globally, with fans rallying for his well-being and the zoo’s handling of his care.
Japanese authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspects’ motives or legal proceedings. The case underscores the unintended consequences of viral internet phenomena, where public fascination can lead to real-world disruptions—particularly in sensitive environments like wildlife conservation areas.