A “drunk” woman who sneaked into a zoo’s tiger enclosure has suffered serious injuries after apparently trying to pet a big cat.
Advertisement
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
A 33-year-old Nebraska woman has been hospitalized and arrested after breaking into a zoo Halloween night to “pet a tiger”, police say.
The suspect has been identified as Jackqueline Eide, 33, and police reported she showed signs of intoxication of alcohol or drugs.
Police cited Eide for criminal trespassing.
The incident is under investigation.
Officials at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium told the paper they believed Eide was bitten by Mai, the zoo’s 18-year-old Malayan tiger.
Eide was transported to hospital by her friend, and, according to ABC7 Chicago, she may lose parts of her fingers. As a cub, Mai was found in Malaysia with her front left leg entangled in a poacher’s trap, according to the zoo’s website. When she reached her hand into the cage she was promptly bitten. Eide has several prior convictions for derelict behavior and served time in prison for her third DUI in 2011.
Few patrons of the zoo seemed to be very concerned or sympathetic about the tiger bite.
Dennis Pate, executive director for the zoo, informed the press that safety and security of guests were paramount at the facility.
He added the zoo’s security measures increased to now include cameras, staff members who work around the clock and computer-controlled locks that reportedly surveil those who enter and leave the location.
Advertisement
He said additional cameras will be installed to monitor the grounds and gates. “A place you can’t wait to get home to!”
