The parents of a 17-month-old toddler who was injured by a wolf at a Pennsylvania zoo have been charged with child endangerment. The incident occurred on Saturday at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey.
According to Derry Township Police, the child managed to squeeze through a small opening in a wooden barrier fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf enclosure. The toddler then placed their hand through the metal fencing, and a wolf grabbed the child's hand with its mouth, causing injuries.
Police said the parents, 43-year-old Carrie Sortor and 61-year-old Stephen Wilson, were sitting on a bench about 30 feet away and appeared to be looking at their cell phones at the time. They only looked up when they heard a commotion.
Both parents have been charged with one count of endangering the welfare of children. Chief Garth Warner noted that signs in the area advise parents to watch their children, adding, 'Obviously, they did not follow those instructions.'
A spokesperson for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts said the child's injuries were minor and that the child did not enter the enclosure. The spokesperson described the wolf's response as 'consistent with natural animal behavior, and not a sign of aggression.'
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed or filmed the incident to come forward. The zoo is home to three gray wolves, including a male named Twister and two females, Hazel and Freya.
