Woman bitten by tiger after apparently sneaking into zoo and trying to pet the animal

OMAHA -- A woman who apparently sneaked into the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha early Sunday, November 1st and reportedly tried to pet a tiger was badly hurt and had to be taken to the hospital, Omaha police say.

Police say 33-year-old Jacqueline Eide was bitten on her left hand, according to Omaha.com.

Zoo officials identified the tiger involved in this incident as Mai, an 18-year-old Malayan tiger.

Police say officers were called out to Creighton University Medical Center regarding a disturbance with a patient that had an injury to her left hand.

Omaha.com reports Eide was being aggressive towards staff and showed signs of intoxication.

Eide was cited on suspicion of criminal trespassing.

She was driven to the hospital by a friend for treatment of the bite to her hand after she was bitten at the zoo.

“The safety and security of our guests and animals are always a priority at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium,” said Dennis Pate, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s executive director and CEO. “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. We will continue to keep security a top priority for Zoo guests and animals."

Omaha police are investigating this incident.