A New Jersey woman has been charged after shocking video showed her entering a tiger enclosure at a South Jersey zoo last week, police said.
Bridgeton police said 24-year-old Zyair J. Dennis of Millville was arrested and charged with defiant trespass and two violations of city ordinances in connection with climbing the fence at a zoo.
The incident occurred at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton on August 18. Dennis was reportedly seen climbing over a wooden fence to reach the tiger.
In the video, it appeared as if she was reaching towards the tiger before the animal tried to bite her hand.
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Police say 24-year-old Zyair J. Dennis allegedly climbed over a fence and “lured” a tiger at the Cohanzick Zoo. (Bridgeton Police via Facebook)
The video then showed her running back over the fence and exiting the enclosure. The tiger walked close to the fence after her departure.
A sign outside the tiger enclosure read: “Do not climb over the fence. Climbing over a zoo fence is against the city ordinance 247-C.”
Dennis was also reportedly caught on camera entering a bear enclosure that same day.
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A sign posted by the tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo reads: “Do not climb the fence. Climbing a zoo fence is against City Ordinance 247-C.” (Bridgeton Police via Facebook)
An investigation was launched on August 20 when city officials notified police that they had received videos from zoo visitors who witnessed the incidents.
After the incident, Bridgeton Police turned to social media asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman.
“A female climbed over the wooden fence and lured the tiger at the inner fence, almost injured,” the department said at the time.
Police said the video generated a lot of interest and the department received immediate responses, leading to Dennis’ identification.
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Police said Dennis will appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court at an undetermined date.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.