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New Jersey Woman Arrested for Trespassing After Dangerous Tiger Encounter at Cohanzick Zoo

Proud Zebra Makes Bold Move—Zoo Visitor Arrested After Getting Too Close to Tiger

A shocking incident unfolded at the Cohanzick Zoo in New Jersey last week when a 24-year-old woman was arrested for illegally entering a restricted area and coming perilously close to a Siberian tiger.

Brash Behavior Lands Visitor in Hot Water

Zyair Dennis now faces charges of trespassing and violations of local ordinances as a result of her daring escapade. Authorities reported that on August 18, Dennis climbed a safety fence and extended her hand into the tiger’s enclosure, provoking the animal to instinctively respond by lunging towards her in what could have been a tragic encounter.

Caught on camera: Dennis’ daring proximity to the Siberian tiger. Bridgeton Police Department

Alarming Footage Released by Authorities

Bridgeton Police released stunning visuals of the incident, showcasing Dennis’s reckless behavior. In the footage, after the tiger first sizes her up with a sniff, it lunges toward her hand, which she instinctively pulls back. However, she curiously offers her hand again before slowly retreating from the scene.

Previous Incident Raises Concerns

Adding to the gravity of the situation, authorities reported that Dennis allegedly engaged in a similar stunt earlier that day inside a bear enclosure, further demonstrating a pattern of risky conduct. Police have since requested that anyone with knowledge of her actions or whereabouts reach out anonymously via their website.

Dennis near the bear and tiger enclosures
Dennis narrowly escaped injury in her close encounter with the tiger. Bridgeton Police Department

Legal Proceedings on the Horizon

Following her reckless adventure, Dennis is scheduled to face charges in the Bridgeton Municipal Court at a later date. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting zoo safety regulations designed to protect both visitors and wildlife.

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