Woman Who Was Nearly Bit By Tiger At New Jersey Zoo Arrested

Authorities in New Jersey have identified a woman who climbed into a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo. The Bridgeton Police Department said that Zyair J. Dennis was taken into custody on Friday (August 24) and charged with one count of defienant trespassing. She was also issued two citations for violating city ordinances against climbing fences in a zoo.

Dennis was allegedly seen on video jumping over a wall into the enclosure where a pair of Bengal tigers, Rishi and Mahesha, live. She then approached a second fence and stuck her hand through it, causing one of the tigers to react aggressively. Dennis managed to pull her hand away before the tiger could bite it.

As Dennis walked away, the tiger was seen pacing back and forth.

Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari Sr . said that another video showed Dennis entering the bear enclosure at the zoo as well. He also praised the public for their help in identifying Dennis as the suspect, citing the quick response the department received after posting a video of the incident on Facebook.