Woman charged after climbing into tiger enclosure and almost having hand bitten off
A woman is facing charges after she climbed into a tiger enclosure, narrowly escaping death.
New Jersey police have arrested 24-year-old Zyair Dennis, after she was filmed climbing into an enclosure at Cohanzick Zoo with a Bengal tiger.
The terrifying footage of the encounter was recorded by another visitor at the zoo, which showed the girl right next to the deadly animal, before slowly walking out of the cage and over a barrier.
The tiger can be seen sniffing the girl, before it lunged towards her, coming close to biting her hand off.
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While it took her aback, she seemed to be unfazed, and still had her hand out for a moment, before slowly strolling out of the cage as if nothing had happened.
Police have also reported that they have footage of the woman doing a very similar thing in a bear cage on the same day.
This cage was adjacent to the tiger cage which she managed to make her way into.
The woman has been charged with defiant trespassing, along with violating two city ordinances.
In a statement that was released yesterday (26 August) by Bridgeton Police, it said: "Reminder to the public when visiting the zoo that it is against City Ordinance to climb over any fence."
Talking to People, Director of Recreation and Public Affairs for the City of Bridgeton, John Medica, said: "The high quality care of the animals, along with the safety of our guests and visitors, is our top priority.
"Any visitor behaviour that places the animals, staff and members of the public in a potentially dangerous situation is unacceptable and will be addressed accordingly."
Speaking to CBS News, Animal keeper Avery Menear also said: "This is a unique zoo where you get to go closer than any other zoo that you can get to.
"But you can't take liberties with that.
"I hurt for these guys because they get really frustrated, as well when this happens.
"They could seriously hurt someone which again reflects badly on them."
The zookeeper was asked if the zoo will now change the way it operates, after such a close call.
Avery added: "I don't want to make any rash decisions in the moment.
"We're going to evaluate everything. We already were."
The 24-year-old suspect is due to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court, but a date for the appearance is yet to be set, according to police.
LADbible Group has previously reached out to Cohanzick Zoo for comment.
Mia Williams