Woman Who Broke Into Tiger, Bear Exhibits At NJ Zoo Has Been Found: Police

BRIDGETON, NJ — A woman who broke into the tiger exhibit at a South Jersey zoo has been charged, police said.

Zyair J. Dennis, 24, of Millville, also entered the bear enclosure Aug. 18 at Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, authorities revealed Monday. She was charged with defiant trespassing.

Bridgeton police shared footage and photos last week of the woman inside the tiger enclosure, which went viral. Dennis jumped over a wooden fence and reached into the tiger's cage, quickly pulling her hand out after the creature nearly bit her, police said.

The social-media post of the footage, shared Tuesday, yielded instant responses that helped police identify her, said Chief Michael Gaimari Sr. The video came from other zoo visitors who witnessed the incident.

Police reviewed a video of Dennis doing the same at the bear enclosure, Gaimari said.

Dennis will appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court on a date to be determined.

Cohanzick Zoo has two Bengal tigers named Rishi and Mahesha, who both weigh nearly 500 pounds, according to the zoo's website.

Holly is the zoo's Asiatic black bear — a species of great climbers that can weigh up to 450 pounds. She is very food-motivated and willing to search and work on puzzles for snacks, the zoo says.

Climbing over zoo fences is illegal in Bridgeton. A sign outside of the tiger enclosure informs visitors of the city law.