A 24-year-old woman from Millville, Zyair Dennis, is facing charges after allegedly climbing into a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The incident, which occurred on August 18th, has sparked renewed calls for stricter penalties against zoo trespassers in the state.
Authorities report that Dennis has been charged with defiant trespassing and violating two city ordinances that prohibit individuals from climbing fences within zoo premises. According to officials, video footage captured Dennis approaching the tiger enclosure, where she is seen sticking her hand through the fence, coming dangerously close to being bitten by one of the tigers.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety at the Cohanzick Zoo and the potential risks posed to both visitors and animals when such breaches occur. Dennis is expected to appear in Bridgeton Municipal Court to face the charges. The case has quickly garnered public attention, with many questioning the security measures in place at the zoo and the adequacy of current penalties for such reckless actions.
In the wake of the Cohanzick Zoo incident, there is a renewed push in New Jersey for harsher penalties for individuals who trespass into zoo enclosures. State Senator Jon Bramnick is leading the charge, demanding the swift passage of his bill that would significantly increase the consequences for zoo trespassers.
The proposed legislation, which has been under consideration since a tragic incident in Florida in 2021 where a zoo worker lost his arm and a tiger was killed, calls for violators to be charged with a disorderly persons offense. Under the bill, fines would range from $1,000 to $10,000, with potential prison sentences ranging from six months to five years, depending on the severity of the incident and whether any animals are harmed.
Senator Bramnick emphasizes that the incident at the Cohanzick Zoo highlights the urgent need for stronger deterrents to prevent similar occurrences in the future. He argues that the current penalties are insufficient to discourage individuals from engaging in dangerous and irresponsible behavior that not only threatens their own safety but also endangers the lives of the animals and zoo staff.
The incident involving Zyair Dennis has intensified the debate over how best to protect both zoo visitors and the animals from harm. The Cohanzick Zoo, one of the oldest in the state, is reviewing its security protocols in response to the breach. Meanwhile, the public and lawmakers alike are watching closely to see whether New Jersey will enact the proposed legislation to address the growing concern over zoo trespassing.
