A visitor aimed a laser pointer at Punch, a viral baby macaque at a Japanese zoo, prompting officials to warn that such acts cause animal stress and risk of blindness. The zoo has increased security patrols and will expel anyone caught repeating the behavior, as part of a broader effort to protect the animal after a similar incident involving trespassing in May.
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A visitor at Ichikawa City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Chiba Prefecture shined a laser pointer at Punch, a baby macaque who became a social media sensation after videos of him clutching a stuffed toy spread online. Zoo officials received a call about a YouTube video posted within the past week showing the incident.
Why it matters
Pointing a laser at an animal causes significant stress and can result in blindness if aimed at the eyes for a long period of time, according to zoo division official Takashi Yasunaga. The zoo has responded by stepping up security patrols and has announced that anyone caught engaging in such behavior will be expelled immediately.
What to watch
This incident follows a case in May in which two Americans were arrested after one of them entered the monkey enclosure while the other recorded a video. Zoo officials have confirmed that no harm has come to Punch or the other monkeys so far.
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