A Japanese man is facing legal action after feeding chocolate to a marmot at an animal cafe because he “felt sorry” for the animal eating the same food every day.
The incident happened at Marmot Village in Osaka, a cafe where visitors can interact with real marmots. According to reports, the man gave chocolate to a one-year-old marmot named Warabi earlier this year.
While the gesture may have seemed harmless, chocolate is toxic to many animals because it contains theobromine, a substance their bodies cannot properly process. Even small amounts can potentially cause poisoning symptoms in rodents, dogs, and other animals.
Cafe staff said the marmot immediately spat the chocolate out and appears to be healthy.
Police later questioned the man, who reportedly explained his actions by saying he felt sorry for the marmot always eating the same designated food.
The unusual case quickly spread online, partly because marmots have become internet-famous in recent years for their dramatic screams and viral reaction videos.