Laser pointer aimed at monkey enclosure at zoo known for Punch

Punch, a Japanese macaque known for clinging to a stuffed orangutan, chews on tree leaves at Ichikawa City Zoo in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture. Image: REUTERS file national Laser pointer aimed at monkey enclosure at zoo known for Punch Today 06:32 am JST Today | 06:42 am JST 1 Comment CHIBA The Japanese zoo housing the viral macaque Punch said Wednesday someone recently pointed a laser at the monkey's enclosure and posted a video clip of the scene online. Despite the incident that likely occurred a week ago, the zoo in Chiba Prefecture said the monkeys were not harmed.

The facility warned it could have caused the animals to feel stress and, in the worst case, go blind. "It is extremely dangerous. We will take firm action, such as immediately expelling (laser pointer) users from the zoo," a zoo official said.

Punch went viral, attracting domestic and overseas attention, for clinging to an orangutan plushie after being abandoned by his mother. The Chiba prefectural police arrested two American men on May 17, after they conspired to trespass into the zoo's monkey enclosure. They were fined 300,000 yen each in early June.

The zoo has been stepping up measures to protect the animals by expanding the restricted viewing area. © KYODO ©2026 GPlusMedia Inc. How to Buy a Home in Japan Learn how to buy a home in Japan, including the purchase process, financing options and latest market trends.

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Get Your Ticket Now for a 25% Discount Click Here Sort by Oldest Latest Popular 1 Comment Login to comment TaiwanIsNotChina Today 06:46 am JST Punch survived his enclosure mates but may not survive the human attention :/ 0 ( +0 / -0 ) Login to leave a comment Facebook users Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts. Facebook Connect Login with your JapanToday account Remember Me Forgot password?

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