A toddler was injured on Saturday after reaching into a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica, which is part of the Hersheypark amusement complex in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred when an unsupervised 18-month-old child managed to crawl under an exterior perimeter fence and approach the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat.
Details of the Incident
According to a spokesperson for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, the child put their hand through the fence, and a wolf inside the enclosure made contact with it. The spokesperson emphasised that this response was consistent with natural animal behaviour and was not a sign of aggression. The child sustained only minor injuries, though specific details about the nature of those injuries were not disclosed.
Zoo's Response and Safety Measures
In a statement, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts expressed relief that the child's injuries were minor. The company reiterated that the safety of guests and the well-being of animals are its highest priorities. The zoo's habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, including clear signage and barriers to ensure safe viewing. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.
The spokesperson confirmed that the child was never inside the wolf's enclosure, highlighting the effectiveness of the barriers in place. ZooAmerica is home to three wolves: Twister, a male born in 2015, and females Hazel and Freya, who arrived from Bear Country USA in South Dakota and were born in 2019.
Background on ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica is an 11-acre zoo dedicated to showcasing animals found in North America. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is committed to the conservation of North American wildlife and habitats. The zoo is integrated into Hersheypark, a popular amusement park in Pennsylvania, attracting numerous visitors annually.
This incident underscores the importance of parental supervision in zoo environments, despite robust safety measures. Authorities have not indicated any changes to zoo operations or enclosures following the event, but it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance around wild animals.
