Woman Charged with Trespassing after Illegally Entering Zoo Enclosure
A woman from Millville, New Jersey, named Zyair J. Dennis, is facing charges of trespassing after she allegedly climbed into a zoo enclosure last week. Dennis has been charged with one count of Defiant Trespassing, as well as violating two city ordinances that prohibit climbing fences within the zoo. The signs outside the enclosure clearly mark this prohibition.
According to the police, Dennis hopped over a fence and entered a restricted area near the tiger and bear enclosures at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton on August 18. Disturbingly, she proceeded to “entice” one of the tigers by putting her hand through the wire enclosure.
In a video released by the Bridgeton police, which they claim shows Dennis, she can be seen narrowly avoiding being bitten by one of the 500-pound Bengal tigers. Animal keeper Avery Menear explained that the tiger’s pacing and agitated tail were signs of predatory behavior. The video also captures the tiger’s paw raising after Dennis reached towards him.
Police revealed that they were also provided with a similar video showing the same person engaging in the same behavior at the bear enclosure on the same day.
Upon watching the video, frequent visitors of the Cohanzick Zoo expressed their dismay. Sharon Simpkins from Salem County, NJ, commented, “I don’t know what people think. They’re here for our display, and people should not try and do something like that, it’s crazy.” Sherri Riddle from Bridgeton, NJ, added, “It’s mind-boggling to me how someone could make such a selfish choice.”
Bridgeton Chief of Police Michael Gaimari Sr. emphasized that Dennis’s actions were not only inappropriate but also dangerous. The police department’s release of the video and photos led to instant responses and ultimately led to Dennis’s identification.
Dennis is scheduled to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court at a later date.
