By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) – A zoo in Japan has banned solo male visitors after sexual harassment incidents involving the facility’s female owner and female guests, the South China Morning Post reported Thursday.
The ban was announced Jan. 26 by the zoo's owner, Misa Mama, on social media, and it drew attention online.
“Male visitors are prohibited from entering the zoo alone,” she said. "We are not a cabaret, so if you really want to interact with animals, please come with your friends and family.”
The zoo, The Healing Pavilion in Japan's eastern Tochigi Prefecture, is a place where visitors can interact and bond with domesticated animals such as cats, dogs and sheep.
Since opening last March, the zoo has focused on offering therapeutic companionship by facilitating engaging interactions with animals.
It also includes a dog park where visitors can bring their pets.