A zoo orangutan notorious for groping tourists grabbed a man's groin during a photo opportunity.

Footage shows the primate tapping the crotch of visitor Jake Gabriel Almacen at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand.

The ape performed a series of poses with Jake, such as hugging, putting arms around his shoulders, and sitting on his lap.

However, when the caretaker instructed Jake to stand before the animal, the orangutan placed its hand on his groin.

Jake said: ‘We spent a wild day at Safari World. There were orangutans in shirts and jeans. I was expecting smiles and cute poses, but I got the full VIP treatment.'

Orangutans are large, tree-dwelling primates native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia, specifically found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. All orangutan species are classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss from logging, palm oil plantations, and poaching.

Tourist photoshoots with orangutans in zoos often raise ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Critics argue that these interactions can lead to stress and unnatural behaviours in primates.

Animal rights organisations often disapprove of practices where animals, like orangutans, are used for entertainment or tourist photos, as they claim it can lead to stress and exploitation.

Activists at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have previously made calls to ban the use of the orangutans in souvenir holiday pictures. They claim they are 'exploited and humiliated'.

The zoo defended the use of the orangutans, with tourists paying around 500 Baht (11 GBP) each for a brief picture session with the primates.

A spokesman said: 'The orangutans are the stars. They are treated exceptionally well and have fantastic lives. Staff and tourists adore them.'

Suddan Wisudthiluck, from the Thammasat University, Anthropology Department, said that animals are 'seen as friends or family members'.