The incident, captured on video on August 18, shows Dennis sticking her hand inside the tiger’s enclosure and narrowly avoiding being bitten.
Footage from the incident reveals Dennis initially taking a curious sniff from the tiger. The tiger then lunges at her hand, prompting her to quickly jerk it back. Despite the near miss, Dennis puts her hand out again briefly before retreating and hopping back over the wooden fence.
Police also have video evidence of Dennis allegedly repeating similar behaviour in a nearby bear cage on the same day, which is located adjacent to the tiger enclosure. Prior to her arrest, authorities had released the footage to the public to seek information on Dennis’ whereabouts through anonymous tips on their website.
After arresting Dennis, the Police released a press statement stating, “Bridgeton Police on Friday signed charges against a 24-year-old Millville woman for entering a restricted area adjacent to both the tiger and bear enclosures at the local zoo on August 18th.”
“Zyair J Dennis of Morton Avenue was charged with one count of Defiant Trespassing. Two city ordinances covering the general conduct of persons pertaining to climbing fences within the zoo were also issued, according to Chief of Police Michael Gaimari Sr”, it further stated.
“The suspect will be scheduled to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court at a date to be determined,” according to police.
Dennis will face the legal consequences of her actions once her court date is set, bringing closure to the alarming incident that drew significant public and media attention.
Netizens also reacted to this weird incident and expressed their opinions.
Source : Times of India
