Ohio zoo presses charges against man who petted cougars

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio zoo officials say they are pressing charges against a man who jumped a fence to pet cougars, then posted his video on YouTube.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says the Delaware County Sheriff’s office has charged the man with a misdemeanor count of trespassing. Authorities say they have identified the man, but it wasn’t clear Saturday whether he had been arrested.

The video posted earlier this week shows an outer fence being jumped, then two cougars being petted through another fence as a voice is heard saying things such as “Kitty, Kitty, Kitty.”

Columbus Zoo CEO Tom Stalf says in a statement that animal welfare and safety are top priorities. He says fence lines are meant to keep guests and animals safe. He calls the video “alarming.”