Identity of woman who put her arm in tiger enclosure at NJ zoo is revealed as she learns fate for taunting predator
The woman who was filmed sticking her arm into a tiger enclosure at a New Jersey zoo has been charged with provoking the dangerous predator.
Zyair Dennis, 24, of Millville, was charged with trespassing for the Aug. 18 incident at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, and was given two general conduct tickets for people climbing over fences at the zoo. This was reported by NJ.com. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
She was quickly identified as the offender after Bridgeton police released video and photos of a suspect attempting to lure a Bengal tiger by sticking her hand through a fence, said Police Chief Michael Gaimari. according to NBC New York.
In the video, the big cat can be seen moving closer to get a better look at the animal, before swiping its paw at the woman as she pulls her hand away.
After the perilous moment, the woman can be seen calmly walking away and jumping over the fence to safety.
Zyair Dennis, 24, of Millville, has been identified as the woman caught on camera sticking her arm into a tiger enclosure at a New Jersey zoo
Gaimari has now revealed that there was a similar video of her doing the same thing at a nearby bear enclosure on the same day – despite signs posted around the zoo warning that it is forbidden to climb fences.
Dennis was released pending a hearing in municipal court, NJ.com reports.
It is unclear whether she has hired a lawyer who can speak on her behalf.
Zoo officials say they are also investigating the incident.
“The Cohanzick Zoo is evaluating measures related to the safety of our animals and visitors,” administrators said Monday.
The nearly 650-pound cat was born in 2016 and donated to the Cohanzick Zoo in North Carolina
These measures include an evaluation involving USDA and NJ Fish Wildlife and consultation with larger zoos to evaluate and/or integrate industry best practices.
“Despite the current safety measures, we are continuously investigating how we can improve the safety of the animals and of our visitors and guests,” the organization said.
The nearly 650-pound tiger that nearly bit Dennis was born in 2016 and donated to the Cohanzick Zoo in North Carolina. zoo officials have said.
He is one of two brothers currently living in the residence.
According to the zoo, the Bengal tiger is the second largest tiger, after the Siberian tiger.