Woman Injured After Getting Into Zoo To Pet Tiger

A woman has been cited for criminal trespass after she suffered a serious hand injury while attempting to pet a tiger inside an Omaha zoo.

Jacqueline Eide, 33, is being treated at Creighton University Medical Center after she was bitten on her left hand on Halloween night at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

Officers were called to the hospital to handle a disturbance involving Eide, who was being aggressive with staff and "showed signs of intoxication", according to police.

Omaha Police spokesman James Shade said zoo officials were examining security footage to see how Eide got inside the gates and whether anyone else was involved.

A statement from police said: "Through investigation, it was learned that Eide had made unauthorised entry into the zoo to pet a tiger.

"When she was reached into the cage, she was bitten causing severe trauma to her hand.

"She was then transported to the hospital by a friend."

Officials at the zoo told the Omaha World-Herald they believe Eide was bitten by Mai, an 18-year-old Malayan tiger.

Executive director Dennis Pate said additional cameras were being installed. He told the newspaper that security staff are on duty at the zoo around the clock, and security cameras, path lighting and computer-controlled locks monitor exit and entry.

He added: "The safety and security of our guests and animals are always a priority at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

"We will continue to keep security a top priority for zoo guests and animals."