Woman Charged After Tiger Encounter at New Jersey Zoo: Defiant Trespassing and Ordinance Violations

A woman from Millville, New Jersey, has been charged with defiant trespassing and violating city ordinances after allegedly climbing barriers at a local zoo, putting herself in danger by approaching a tiger's enclosure. The incident, which occurred at Cohanzick Zoo, sparked an investigation by the police after the Department of Recreation received videos and photos from visitors.

Allegations and Charges

The accused, identified as Zyair J. Dennis, 24, reportedly climbed over fences separating zoo patrons from the tiger enclosure. This reckless behavior led to charges of defiant trespassing and violating city ordinances. The authorities were alerted to the situation by concerned zoo visitors, prompting further investigation.

Police statement confirmed that the allegations included a separate incident involving the bear enclosure on the same day. Witnesses reported seeing Dennis engaging in similar reckless behavior near the bear enclosure, raising concerns about her disregard for visitor safety.

Video Evidence and Court Appearance

Security footage captured the woman climbing over barriers and, in one instance, attempting to touch a tiger through a gap in the enclosure. The tiger's aggressive reaction prompted her to hastily withdraw her hand and retreat. The video evidence demonstrates the severity of the situation and the potential danger posed by the woman's actions.

Dennis is scheduled to appear in the city's municipal court next month to face the charges. As of now, it remains unclear whether she has secured legal representation. Attempts to contact her for comment have been unsuccessful, leaving unanswered questions about her motivations for the dangerous behavior and her perspective on the legal proceedings.

Similar Incidents

This alarming incident at Cohanzick Zoo draws parallels to a similar event at the Bronx Zoo in New York in 2019, when a woman infamously climbed into the lion enclosure. Such incidents raise concerns about zoo safety and the need for increased measures to prevent unauthorized access to animal enclosures.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and respecting the boundaries set to protect both zoo visitors and the animals in their care. The charges against Dennis underscore the serious nature of her actions and the potential risks associated with disregarding safety protocols at public facilities.