A 17-month-old toddler suffered minor injuries after reaching through metal fencing into a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica in Hersheypark, Pennsylvania. The child crawled through a small gap in a wooden fence into a restricted area on Saturday, according to Derry Township Police Department officials.
Details of the Incident
The youngster’s hand became caught in a wolf’s jaws as parents Carrie Sortor, 43, and Stephen Wilson, 61, sat on a bench 25 to 30 feet away, focused on their mobile phones. Onlookers quickly intervened, pulling the child to safety. The parents only noticed the danger when they heard the commotion from the enclosure.
Rescue and Injuries
Officials confirm the toddler sustained only minor injuries. ZooAmerica reports that the child never entered the wolf’s habitat, and the wolf’s approach aligned with natural behavior rather than aggression.
ZooAmerica’s Safety Measures
ZooAmerica houses three wolves: male Twister and sisters Hazel and Freya. The facility emphasizes multiple layers of protection in its habitats, along with clear signage and barriers for safe viewing.
“Guests must stay in designated areas and supervise children closely at all times,” ZooAmerica stated. The zoo prioritizes visitor safety and well-being following the review of the event.
