Police identify suspect in tiger enclosure video

After videos of a woman mocking a tiger at a Bridgeton zoo went viral last week, authorities have filed charges.

Zyair J. Dennis, 24, of Millville, faces one count of defiant trespass in connection with the Aug. 18 incident at the city’s Cohanzick Zoo.

She is also accused of violating two municipal ordinances, police said.

A widely circulated video shows a woman, allegedly Dennis, in a fenced enclosure, taunting and attempting to “lure” one of the zoo’s Bengal tigers through a second wire fence.

Similar images taken that day show the same behavior in the zoo’s bear exhibit, allegedly by the same individual, Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari said.

More: Police search for woman seen climbing zoo fence to try to lure tiger

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Bridgeton police asked for the community’s help in searching for the person in the videotape, and charges were filed on Aug. 23.

A police statement said “instant responses” to video and photos of the incident led to Dennis being identified.

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

The charge against Dennis is merely an allegation. She has not been convicted in this case.

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about current affairs and community news in southern New Jersey for the Courier-Post, Daily Journal and Burlington County Times. If you have a story to tell, email her at [email protected]. And subscribe to stay on top of the news you need.