A ‘drunk’ woman who sneaked into a zoo's tiger enclosure has suffered serious injuries after apparently trying to pet a big cat.
Jacqueline Eide is in an Omaha hospital and risks losing parts of the fingers on her left hand after the incident on Halloween, KETV reports.
The 33-year-old somehow got past security and entered the Henry Doorly Zoo with a friend in the early hours of Sunday.
Jacqueline Eide is in hospital with severe injuries to her left hand
The animal believed to be responsible for the injuries is Mai, an 18-year-old Malayan tiger.
The incident is under investigation by the Omaha Police Department, who revealed Eide has been cited with criminal trespass.
Its official report into the incident stated Eide was aggressive towards staff and showed signs of intoxication.
An 18-year-old Malayan tiger named Mai is believed to be responsible for the attack (file picture)
ABC Chicago writes Eide has served time for a driving under the influence offence in 2011 and that she has been arrested two other times in Omaha this year.
It adds: “Her criminal record includes drunk driving, graffiti, disturbing the peace, obstruction of justice and shop lifting.”
Zoo CEO Dennis Pate released this statement after the incident: “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.”
Eide has been cited for criminal trespass