A Millville woman was charged with defiant trespassing days after she was caught on video entering a restricted area apparently to pet a tiger at the Cohanzick Zoo.
Zyair Dennis, 24, of Morton Avenue, was identified after Bridgeton police posted the video and photo on social media.
The woman came into the area that is adjacent to both the tiger and bear enclosures Aug. 18.
She is seen on video going to the area where a tiger is and appearing to poke her hand through the fence. She then pulls her hand back after it looks like the tiger tries to bite. She then climbs up the nearby fence and leaves.
Video released by Bridgeton police went national, with the incident appearing on CNN and "Inside Edition."
In addition to the disorderly persons charge, Dennis also was given two city ordinances pertaining to climbing fences within the zoo, Police Chief Michael Gaimari Sr. said.
Officer Anthony Cusano conducted the initial investigation that began Aug. 20, after city Department of Recreation officials notified police upon receiving video from other zoo visitors who witnessed the incidents.
Gaimari said there was similar video depicting the same scenario at the bear enclosure the same day involving the same person.
She is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 24, records show.
