Woman Jumps Fence at N.J. Zoo and Tries to Touch 500 Lb. Bengal Tiger, Police Searching for Her

Mar. 15, 2025

Police are looking for a woman who climbed over a fence at the tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo in New Jersey.

According to aFacebook postfrom the Bridgeton Police Department, the woman climbed over a wooden fence and tried to touch a tiger, “almost getting bit” in the process.

The woman then quickly moved back before the Bengal tiger turned away.

“Reminder to the public when visiting the zoo that it is against City Ordinance to climb over any fence,” the police department added, per their statement.

According to News 12 New Jersey, the ordinance says these actions could result in a person being restricted or banned from the zoo.

The woman and the tiger at the Cohanzick Zoo.Bridgeton Police Department

Bridgeton Police Department

“The high quality care of the animals, along with the safety of our guests and visitors, is our top priority, John Medica, Director of Recreation and Public Affairs for the City of Bridgeton, told PEOPLE in a statement. “Any visitor behavior that places the animals, staff and members of the public in a potentially dangerous situation is unacceptable and will be addressed accordingly.”

PEOPLE has contacted the Bridgeton Police Department and the Cohanzick Zoo for comment.

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“A zoo in North Carolina graciously donated the cubs to the Cohanzick Zoo in January of 2017,” the description of the tigers, who now weigh nearly 500 lbs., reads.

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

Anyone with information is advised to call Bridgeton Police at 856-451-0033 or send anonymous tips atBPD.TIPS.

source: people.com