Police Identify Two Suspects in Breach at Japanese Zoo Enclosure
Authorities named two men in custody after they entered the enclosure of a macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden on May 17. The zoo reported no injuries to animals and said it is adding security measures.
nippon.comPolice have identified two men arrested after a May 17 incident at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. A deputy station chief at Ichikawa Police Station told ABC News on Tuesday that one suspect claims to be a 24-year-old student and the other claims to be a 27-year-old singer.
Post by @ABC on X
Both remain in custody and face charges of forcible obstruction of business. Video posted online shows one person in costume entering the Japanese macaque enclosure while the second person recorded from outside. Zoo staff removed the intruder, and the animals moved to a rock structure inside the enclosure.
The 7-month-old macaque named Punch was not harmed.
Takashi Yasunaga, head of Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden, said the facility hosted about 600 visitors that day and stayed open. He stated the zoo is adding security patrols, installing intrusion-prevention nets, and widening the viewing-restriction zone.
Yasunaga said the safety of the animals remains the top priority and that the zoo will pursue strict enforcement of its rules. He also asked the public to continue visiting. Punch gained online attention earlier this year after videos showed the monkey seeking comfort from an orangutan plush toy following separation from his mother.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 17, 2026
Two individuals entered the macaque enclosure at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
1 source@ABC - May 17, 2026
Zoo staff handed the individuals over to police; animals remained unharmed.
1 source@ABC - May 19, 2026
Police identified the two suspects as a man claiming to be a 24-year-old student and another claiming to be a 27-year-old singer.
1 source@ABC
Potential Impact
- 01
The zoo will operate with added security patrols and physical barriers around the macaque enclosure.
- 02
Visitors may encounter a larger restricted viewing area when approaching the enclosure.
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