Identity of woman who put her arm in tiger enclosure at NJ zoo is revealed as she learns fate for taunting predator

The woman who was filmed putting  her arm in a tiger enclosure at a New Jersey zoo has been charged for taunting the dangerous predator.

Zyair Dennis, 24, of Millville, was charged with defiant trespassing for the August 18 incident at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, and was given two citations covering general conduct for people climbing fencing at the zoo, NJ.com reports. She face a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.  

She was quickly identified as the trespasser after Bridgeton police released video and photos of a suspect trying to entice a Bengal tiger by sticking her hand through a wire enclosure, Police Chief Michael Gaimari said, according to NBC New York.

The video shows the big cat coming in for a closer look before lunging and swiping its paw at the woman as she rips her hand back.

After the close call, the woman can be seen casually walking away and jumping back over the fence to safety.

Zyair Dennis, 24, of Millville, was identified as the woman who was caught on camera putting her arm in a tiger enclosure at a New Jersey zoo

Gaimari has now revealed there was a similar video of her doing the same thing at a nearby bear enclosure on the same day - despite signs posted around the zoo warning people that climbing fences is prohibited.

Dennis was released pending a hearing in municipal court, NJ.com reports.

It is unclear whether she has retained an attorney who could speak on her behalf. 

But zoo officials said they are also investigating the incident.

'The Cohanzick Zoo is evaluating measures related to the safety of our animals and visitors,' administrators said on Monday.

The nearly 650-pound feline was born in 2016 and donated to the Cohanzick Zoo from North Carolina

'These measures include a review involving USDA, NJ Fish Wildlife and communicating with larger zoos to evaluate and/or incorporate industry best practices.

'Current safeguards notwithstanding we are always examining ways to enhance animal safety as well as the safety of our visitors and guests,' they said. 

The nearly 650-pound tiger that almost bit Dennis was born in 2016 and donated to the Cohanzick Zoo from North Carolina, zoo officials have said.

It is one of two brothers currently living in the enclosure. 

According to the zoo, the Bengal is considered the second largest tiger after the Siberian tiger.