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A woman was bitten by a tiger after she trespassed into a zoo and attempted to pet the animal.
Police said the woman was intoxicated and went into an unauthorized area around 7:20 a.m. to pet the animal, somehow getting past the fence and security before the zoo had opened.
Jacqueline Eide, 33, is in the hospital Sunday with a severe injury to her left hand.
She was transported to Creighton University Medical Center by a friend. The wounds are so bad that she might lose parts of her fingers.
Eide, according to a release from the Omaha Police Department, was aggressive toward staff and showed signs of intoxication.
She was cited for criminal trespass.
Eide was sentenced to prison time for her third DUI in 2011. She was arrested twice in Omaha this year and has criminal convictions, including drunk driving, graffiti, disturbing the peace, obstruction of justice and shoplifting.
The incident is under investigation.
It’s believed that Mai, an 18-year-old Malayan tiger, was the animal involved in the biting, according to a release from the zoo.
The zoo is not releasing surveillance video of the incident. They say the tiger won’t be quarantined.
Dennis Pate, the zoo’s executive director and CEO, issued the following statement:
“The safety and security of our guests and animals are always a priority at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Emergency phone numbers are printed on maps for guests to call in case of an emergency and security staff keep watch on grounds around the clock. We have added security cameras, new path lighting and computer-controlled locks to track exit and entry. Additional path lighting is planned for the new African Grasslands exhibit and more cameras will be installed to monitor the grounds and gates.
“We will continue to keep security a top priority for Zoo guests and animals.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
