A New Jersey woman has been charged after being caught on video trying to touch a tiger at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
Police identified the woman as Zyair Dennis, 24, from Millville. She faces a charge of defiant trespassing following the incident that took place on August 20, 2024.
According to authorities, Dennis jumped over a fence and approached the enclosure of a 7-year-old tiger named Mahesha.
Video evidence shows her reaching into the cage, but quickly withdrawing her hand when the tiger reacted.
Police also revealed that Dennis was seen in another video entering the bear enclosure on the same day.
After receiving tips from the public, police were able to identify Dennis from the footage.
Besides the trespassing charge, she has also been cited for violating two city ordinances related to climbing fences within the zoo.
Dennis is expected to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court, though the date has not yet been set.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 30 August 2024. Image Credit :Gill_figueroa/Shutterstock.
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