BRIDGETON, New Jersey (WPVI) — Police in New Jersey are asking the public for help in identifying a woman after she was filmed illegally climbing into a tiger enclosure at a zoo.
It happened on Sunday at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton.
Authorities say the zoo visitor jumped over the wooden fence to which two 500-pound Bengal tigers were tied. Police say the woman began to “lure” the tiger by putting her hand through the wire mesh.
The video posted by police shows that she was almost bitten by the big cat.
“This back-and-forth behavior that he was exhibiting is like running back and forth. You can also see his tail wagging back and forth, and that is excited behavior,” said zookeeper Avery Menear, describing the behavior of seven-year-old Mahesha.
“In the video, you can see him lifting his paw up as she turned around and grabbed him. These are all predatory behaviors that he was exhibiting,” Menear added.
Regular visitors to Bridgeton Zoo, a hidden gem, were visibly disturbed when they saw the video.
“I don’t know what people are thinking,” said Sharon Simpkins of Salem County, New Jersey. “They’re here for our exhibit and people shouldn’t try to do something like that, it’s crazy.”
“It’s unbelievable to me how someone could make such a selfish decision,” said Sherri Riddle of Bridgeton, New Jersey.
According to the police, this was not only inappropriate and dangerous, but it was also illegal to climb over the zoo fences.
According to police, the woman did indeed violate a city ordinance, which is clearly visible on the signs outside the enclosure.
However, the police currently assume that this is the extent of the punishment she faces.
Anyone with information about the woman seen in the video is asked to call Bridgeton Police at 856-451-0033. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at BPD.TIPS.
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