Woman Climbs Zoo Fence to Pet Tiger, Faces Criminal Charges
Reckless Behavior Puts Woman and Tiger at Risk
New Jersey Police Seek Woman Who Hopped Barrier
Police are searching for a woman who climbed over a barrier and entered a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing the woman taunting the tiger by waving her arms and inserting her fingers or hand through the fence.
The tiger, a 450-pound male named Rajah, became agitated and charged at the fence, narrowly missing the woman.
Charges Pending
Police have identified the woman and are seeking her arrest on charges of trespassing, harassment of an animal, and endangering an endangered species.
Zoo officials condemned the woman's actions, emphasizing that it is illegal and dangerous to interact with zoo animals.
Safety Concerns
The incident highlights the importance of zoo safety protocols and the need for visitors to respect animal boundaries.
Zoos provide a vital role in conservation and education, but reckless behavior by visitors can put both animals and humans at risk.
Statutory Consequences
Under New Jersey law, it is a crime to harass or endanger wildlife.
The woman faces potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, and a lifetime ban from visiting the zoo.
Prevention Measures
To prevent similar incidents, zoos implement various safety measures:
- High fences and barriers
- Clear signage warning against approaching animals
- Zoo staff monitoring visitor behavior
Conclusion
The woman's actions at the Cohanzick Zoo were both reckless and illegal.
She not only endangered herself but also the tiger, who could have suffered serious injury or even death.
Zoo officials and law enforcement urge visitors to follow safety protocols and respect animal boundaries to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Sources
- NJ.com: Viral video shows woman climbing into tiger exhibit at NJ zoo
- CNN: Woman climbs into tiger enclosure at New Jersey zoo, video shows
- New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Code
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