Memphis Zoo visitor hops barrier in bid to feed lions cookies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis Zoo officials have banned a woman after saying she climbed over a barrier to the enclosure where lions are kept and tried to feed them cookies.

The unidentified woman's actions were reported by other zoo patrons, who saw her jump the barrier and heard her singing to the animals. After the barrier, only wire separates guests from the lions inside the enclosure.

"[She was singing] some song that was telling how much she missed them. It was bizarre," witness Michelle Beasley told Memphis station WMC-TV. "I've never seen someone singing to a lion. It was really loud."

Zoo spokeswoman Abbey Dane told WMC-TV the woman's behavior was dangerous for her and the lions. She said the woman won't be allowed back into the facility.