A 24-year-old woman has been charged for allegedly hopping a fence at a New Jersey zoo and “enticing” a tiger, according to police.
Zyair Dennis was charged with one count of defiant trespassing and was issued two city ordinances related to climbing fences in the zoo, Bridgeton police said in a statement Monday.
Dennis allegedly entered a restricted area at the Cohanzick Zoo on Aug. 18, according to police.
Witnesses gave authorities video and photos that showed a woman jumping over the fence, approaching the caged tiger enclosure and “reaching into the cage before quickly pulling her hand out when the animal reacted aggressively,” police said.
In this photo released by the Bridgeton Police Department, a woman is shown on video ‘enticing’ a tiger after illegally climbing into an enclosure in at the Bridgeton Park and Zoo in New Jersey.
Bridgeton Police Department
Police said she was almost injured when she “enticed” the tiger.
The woman was allegedly also seen on video “depicting the same scenario at the bear enclosure,” police said.
Last week, Bridgeton police released information and images from the incident in an effort to identify the suspect. Police said Monday that the footage helped them identify Dennis.
Dennis’ appearance in Bridgeton Municipal Court has not been scheduled, police said.
ABC News’ Julia Reinstein contributed to this report.
In a bizarre and potentially dangerous incident, a woman has been charged by police for allegedly enticing a tiger by hopping over a fence at a local zoo. The incident, which occurred at the city’s popular zoo, has raised concerns about the safety of both visitors and animals at the facility.
According to reports, the woman was caught on surveillance cameras climbing over a fence that separated visitors from the tiger enclosure. Once inside the enclosure, she reportedly began waving and making noises to attract the attention of the large cat. Zoo staff quickly intervened and safely removed the woman from the enclosure before any harm could come to her or the tiger.
The woman now faces charges of trespassing and endangering both herself and the animal. Police are investigating the incident further to determine the woman’s motives and whether she had any prior history of mental health issues or criminal behavior.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines and rules when visiting zoos and wildlife facilities. Enclosures are put in place for a reason – to protect both visitors and animals from harm. By disregarding these boundaries, individuals not only put themselves at risk but also jeopardize the well-being of the animals in their care.
Zoos have strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals, and incidents like this highlight the need for increased security measures and vigilance. It is essential for visitors to respect the rules and regulations set forth by these facilities to prevent accidents and potential harm.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale for all visitors to zoos and wildlife parks. It is crucial to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution at all times. By following guidelines and staying within designated areas, visitors can help ensure the safety of themselves, other guests, and the animals in their care.
