Two Foreign Men Arrested for Trespassing in Monkey Mountain at Japanese Zoo, Sparking Public Outrage

(CNA reporter Tai Ya-chen, Tokyo, 18th) An intrusion occurred at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Chiba, Japan, yesterday, where two foreign men trespassed into the "Monkey Mountain" enclosure for Japanese macaques and were taken in by police for investigation. As the highly popular "Panchi-kun" lives in that area, the incident has sparked attention and outrage on social media. The Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden posted on its official X account on the 17th, stating that intruders were discovered in the monkey mountain around 10:50 AM that day, and the two individuals were handed over to the police. The zoo subsequently conducted safety checks on the animals and facilities, cordoned off some viewing areas, and increased security, but remained open until 4:30 PM. According to Japan's Fuji News Network (FNN), police received a report that "foreigners had broken into the monkey mountain." Two men, aged 24 and 27, who claimed to be US citizens, were arrested on suspicion of obstruction of business and are under investigation. Regarding the reason for trespassing, one of them reportedly said, "I don't want to answer, and I don't accept being arrested." The incident's exposure has drawn attention from Japanese and overseas netizens, with many leaving comments like "Unforgivable," "Hope the monkeys are okay," "Don't threaten the animals' safety," and "This is outrageous, to enter with unsterilized dirty shoes. There are baby monkeys inside, what if they get an infectious disease? I want to punch them." A video, allegedly of the intruders wearing a costume in the monkey mountain, also circulated on social media. It shows an intruder with a giant yellow headpiece climbing over the fence into the enclosure, causing the monkey troop to panic and flee in all directions. The person who posted the video angrily stated, "I hope these people are severely punished!" Panchi-kun was abandoned by his mother as an infant and was raised by humans. He always carries around a stuffed orangutan, and even snuggles up to it to sleep, as if it were his mother. The sight, both cute and poignant, was covered by the media and he became a star, attracting overseas tourists to the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150518