BRIDGETON, N.J. — A woman who climbed a fence at the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton, New Jersey, leading to a close encounter with a tiger, has been charged with trespassing and other offenses, authorities said.
The incident occurred earlier this month when the woman, identified as Renee A. Musgrave, 27, of Salem County, allegedly scaled a safety barrier and approached the tiger enclosure. Video footage captured by a bystander showed her reaching out towards the tiger, which was separated from her by a secondary fence.
Zoo staff quickly intervened, and the woman was escorted away from the enclosure. The tiger did not escape, and no injuries were reported.
Musgrave now faces charges including criminal trespass, harassment, and disorderly conduct. The Cohanzick Zoo, the oldest continuously operating zoo in New Jersey, emphasized that safety protocols were in place and were effective in preventing any harm.
The zoo has since reviewed its security measures and urged the public to adhere to posted guidelines for their safety and that of the animals.
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