A woman has been charged after she allegedly climbed over a fence at a New Jersey zoo and approached a tiger, appearing to reach into its cage to try and pet it.

Zyair Dennis has been charged with defiant trespassing and violating two city ordinances, Sky News’ US partner NBC News reports.

The 24-year-old from Millville, New Jersey, is due to appear in court next month.

This comes after footage emerged last week of a woman climbing into the prohibited area next to the enclosure of a tiger, at Cohanzick Zoo.

She appears to lean in close to the tiger, separated by a tall metal fence, and at one point even seems to attempt to pet the animal through the barrier.

However, the tiger moves toward her suddenly, and she quickly steps back.

The tiger can be seen getting more agitated the longer the woman is there.

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She then stops and appears to pose for a photo, before she climbs back over the fence.

Police began investigating the incident after visitors that day sent footage of the incident to Cohanzick Zoo, who passed it on.

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In a statement, officers reportedly said the video showed someone who “jumped over a fence and approached the caged enclosure of the tiger reaching into the cage before quickly pulling her hand out when the animal reacted aggressively.”

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There is video of a similar scenario involving the same person on the same day and the bear enclosure, police reportedly added.

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