A visitor of the Bronx Zoo climbs into an exhibit and appears to taunt the lion.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, a woman dressed in black steps over the visitors’ safety barrier at an African lion exhibit.
One of the visitors recorded a video that shows the woman’s actions towards the lion.
Hernán Reynoso went at the Bronx Zoo with his wife and son, and they couldn’t believe what was happening. The woman dances, waves, and teases the king of the jungle on purpose. The video went viral.
Fortunately, the lion didn’t do anything to hurt her or anyone else. The animal was just standing still and looking at the woman’s movements. When the lion finally roared, Reynoso got scared, so he stopped recording, grabbed his wife and kid, and ran away.
Other visitors told the woman to stop taunting the lion, but she continued. They were afraid because this reckless woman put their lives at risk teasing the lion. Reynoso says that what this stranger did to the lion and the other people at the zoo was just wrong, and not only as a matter of safety. In an interview with NBC New York, he notes that if children saw her doing that, they might follow her actions and put their lives in great danger.
The zoo confirmed the incident and said:
“This action was a serious violation and unlawful trespass that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Barriers and rules are in place to keep both visitors, staff, and animals safe. We have a zero-tolerance policy on trespass and violation of barriers.”
At this point, the woman still has not been identified. NYPD is aware of the incident, and they are investigating.
