The New York Police Department (NYPD) has announced that a woman accused of entering the lion and giraffe exhibits at the Bronx Zoo in late September has been arrested.
The NYPD arrested 30-year-old Myah Autry, who was previously identified as the woman who entered the lion and giraffe enclosures at Bronx Zoo, and charged her with two counts of criminal trespass. Autry allegedly posted videos of herself climbing over the wooden fence on the day of the incident, then waving and dancing once inside as the lion looked on.
Prior to the arrest, the Autry posted on Instagram that she was going to Barclays Center to turn herself into police and even notified several news media outlets. She was immediately arrested in the area and was seen wearing an NYPD shirt at the time of the arrest.
In the video, the lion appeared surprised by her actions but she did not seem bothered even as the animal took a few steps toward her. In the video, she said: "I want to get closer to him." And once she was inside the enclosure she waved toward the lion and started to dance, saying "Baby! Hi, I love you!"
The Bronx Zoo got wind of the video of the incident and zoo officials pointed out that the woman put herself in danger. The zoo released a statement saying "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."
It was unclear how Autry went over the barrier or how long she stayed inside the enclosure but it appeared that she did not cross the large moat separating the lions and exhibit visitors.
