Japanese Zoo Bans Solo Male Visitors Following Harassment Complaints

Healing Pavilion in Tochigi Prefecture cites safety concerns for its female owner and guests as the reason for the new policy.

Healing Pavilion, an interactive zoo in eastern Japan, has prohibited unaccompanied male visitors after reports of harassment targeting its female owner and female patrons.
The zoo's director, known online as Misa Mama, announced the policy on social media, emphasizing it as a protective measure rather than gender bias.
The restriction follows incidents where solo male visitors reportedly engaged in flirtatious behavior and made inappropriate comments toward women at the facility.
Misa Mama expressed concerns about potential retaliation if she banned only individuals who misbehaved, leading to the blanket policy for unaccompanied men.
The decision has drawn both support and criticism online, with some suggesting alternative measures such as hiring additional staff to enhance safety.