A woman climbed over a fence at the tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey, almost getting bit by the tiger in the process. The Bridgeton Police Department is currently looking for this woman who reportedly tried to touch the tiger. In a Facebook post, authorities shared footage of the incident showing the woman trying to entice the tiger and putting her hand through the wire enclosure. The tiger reacted by almost biting her hand before the woman quickly moved back. A sign near the enclosure emphasizes that climbing over any fence at the zoo is against city ordinance.
The ordinance at the Cohanzick Zoo specifies that actions like climbing over a fence could lead to a person being restricted or banned from the zoo. John Medica, Director of Recreation and Public Affairs for the City of Bridgeton, emphasized the importance of the safety of the animals, staff, and visitors, stating that any behavior that endangers them will be addressed accordingly. The zoo’s website indicates that the tiger involved in the incident is one of two Bengal tigers born in 2016 and donated to the Cohanzick Zoo from a zoo in North Carolina. They currently weigh nearly 500 lbs. and the Bengal tiger is considered the second largest tiger after the Siberian tiger.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Bridgeton Police Department at 856-451-0033 or submit anonymous tips. The police department’s Facebook post and the reported confrontation with the tiger have garnered attention from the public, highlighting the importance of following safety regulations at zoos to protect both the animals and visitors. The woman’s actions not only put herself in danger but also threatened the safety and well-being of the tiger. The zoo management is committed to ensuring the high quality care of the animals and the security of guests, and any violation of the rules will be dealt with accordingly.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of interacting with zoo animals in an inappropriate manner and the importance of respecting the regulations put in place for the safety of everyone involved. Climbing over fences or attempting to touch animals can have serious consequences, as demonstrated by the woman’s encounter with the tiger at the Cohanzick Zoo. The public is advised to adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by the authorities and zoo management to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of both the animals and visitors in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
