BRIDGETON, NJ – A New Jersey woman is luckily to be alive and in one piece after making a not-so-smart decision to enter a zoo enclosure with a tiger.
The Millville woman has been charged after a video surfaced showing her entering a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton last week, according to police.
The Bridgeton Police Department reported that 24-year-old Zyair J. Dennis was arrested and charged with defiant trespassing and two city ordinance violations related to climbing fences within the zoo.
The incident, which occurred on August 18, involved Dennis allegedly climbing over a wooden fence to access the tiger’s enclosure. The video footage appeared to show Dennis reaching toward the tiger, which then attempted to bite her hand. She quickly retreated over the fence, and the tiger was seen pacing near the fence after she exited.
Following the event, the Bridgeton Police turned to social media, requesting the public’s help in identifying the woman. The department stated, “A female climbed over the wooden fence and enticed the tiger at the interior fence, almost getting injured.” The video generated significant attention, leading to Dennis being swiftly identified.
In addition to the tiger enclosure, Dennis was reportedly caught on camera entering a bear enclosure on the same day.
