New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne says the 25-year-old told investigators he deliberately leaped into a zoo exhibit because he wanted to "be one with the tiger."
Villalobos remained hospitalized in stable condition Saturday with bites and punctures and a broken arm and a leg caused by the jump Friday from an elevated train that circles the exhibit.
Browne says that when a police officer asked Villalobos why he did it, he responded, "Everybody in life makes choices."
It's unclear if Villalobos has an attorney; attempts to reach relatives on Saturday were unsuccessful.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)