Identified After Climbing Over Zoo Fence To Pet Tiger

New Jersey Police have identified and charged a woman named Zyair Dennis as the suspect who allegedly climbed over a fence at the Cohanzick Zoo to pet a 500-pound Bengal tiger.

RELATED: New Jersey Police Search For Woman After She Allegedly CIimbed Over A Zoo Fence To Pet 500 Lb. Tiger (VIDEO)

More Details On Zyair Dennis & Her Charge

As The Shade Room previously reported, footage of the incident went viral last week after it was shared by the Bridgeton Police Department. Since then, CBS News reports that police have identified the woman in the video as the 24-year-old. 

According to the outlet, the woman has been charged with trespassing and “cited for two city ordinances.” Furthermore, Dennis is expected to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court. However, a date for her appearance has not yet reportedly been scheduled.

Here’s What The Police Have Accused The 24-Year-Old Of Doing At Cohanzick Zoo

According to a press release issued by Bridgeton Police, the incident took place on August 18. Two days later, the department initiated a search for the woman after receiving the footage from “other zoo visitors.”

As The Shade Room previously reported, the video showed Dennis after she allegedly jumped over a wooden fence and placed her fingers through the barrier of a tiger enclosure.

“The video and still photos show a person jumped over a fence and approached the caged enclosure of the tiger reaching into the cage before quickly pulling her hand out when the animal reacted aggressively,” the press release reads.

Furthermore, the release alleged that a “similar video” showed the 24-year-old in “the same scenario” at a bear enclosure on the same day.

2/2 Bridgeton’s Police Chief says the video of the incident “yielded instant responses on the police department’s tip line.” pic.twitter.com/8ndJ6VB3GW

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 26, 2024

A Man Was Arrested Last Year For Allegedly Stealing Monkeys From Dallas Zoo

As The Shade Room previously reported, a man was arrested in February 2023 for his alleged actions at the Dallas Zoo.

Davion Irvin was accused of kidnapping white-bearded monkeys from the site. As police searched for him, he reportedly returned to the location but instead visited the aquarium.

“A gentleman who would later be identified as Davion Dwight Irvin stopped an employee of the Dallas World Aquarium to ask questions regarding one of our animals,” a spokesperson for the aquarium reportedly told the New York Post.

At that point, the employee recognized Irvin from the alleged monkey heist, and he was later arrested.

RELATED: Man Accused Of Stealing MONKEYS From The Dallas Zoo Was Arrested While Lurking In Aquarium