In the video that has gone viral on social media, the woman is seen dancing inside the enclosure as the animal blankly stares back at her.
A video shows a woman taunt a lion and dance inside its enclosure at the Bronx Zoo https://t.co/xiload8PrW pic.twitter.com/P3Y5yuMlZ0
— CNN (@CNN) October 2, 2019
It is, however, unclear how the woman got over the barrier to get inside the African lion exhibit and for how long she stayed inside.
“This action was a serious violation and unlawful trespass that could have resulted in serious injury or death,” read a statement by Bronx Zoo.
“Barriers and rules are in place to keep visitors, staff and animals safe. We a have a zero tolerance policy on trespass or violations of barriers,” it added.
We appreciate everyone’s concern regarding the Bronx Zoo lions. 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.
— Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) October 2, 2019
We have a zero tolerance policy on trespass and violation of barriers and are taking appropriate steps to address this incident.
— Bronx Zoo (@BronxZoo) October 2, 2019
The woman and the lion were reportedly safe during the incident.
Hernán Reynoso, who filmed the incident before posting it on Instagram Sunday, told New York's NBC 4 he at first thought the bizarre scene was just part of the exhibit.
“But when I see … she just was there, dancing, saying, ‘Hi,’ to the lion and everything and that was crazy,” Reynoso said.
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