Toddler's Hand Grabbed by Wolf at Hersheypark Zoo in Pennsylvania
A 17-month-old toddler's hand was instinctively grabbed by a wolf at Hersheypark's ZooAmerica in Pennsylvania over the weekend, after the child slipped through a small opening in a wooden barrier while his parents were allegedly distracted by their cellphones. The incident occurred on Saturday at the 11-acre ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, located about 100 miles west of Philadelphia, which is home to more than 200 animals including three gray wolves.
Parents Charged with Endangering Welfare of Children
According to the Derry Township Police Department, the parents, identified as Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J. B. Wilson, 61, of Lititz, were charged on Sunday with one count each of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children. Police reported that the couple had walked approximately 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler to a bench area and appeared to be focused on their phones, leaving the child unsupervised near the wolf exhibit.
The child entered a restricted area and put their hand through the metal fencing of the wolf enclosure, where one of the wolves instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the toddler's hand. Law enforcement officials stopped short of calling it a bite, emphasizing the animal's natural behavior. Several bystanders quickly intervened to pull the child away from the wolves before any further harm could occur.
ZooAmerica Responds to the Incident
ZooAmerica confirmed that a wolf had approached and made contact with the child's hand, describing the response as consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression. The zoo stated that its habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, including clear signage and barriers to ensure safe viewing, and that visitors are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.
Following a review, ZooAmerica noted that the child had never been inside the wolf's enclosure, and the injuries were described as minor. No further details on the nature of the injuries have been provided by police or the zoo. The zoo reiterated that its highest priorities are the safety and well-being of visitors and families.
Details About the Wolves and Zoo Safety
ZooAmerica's website highlights that its three gray wolves—Twister, born in 2015, and two sisters, Hazel and Freya, born in 2019—are carnivores whose diets include elk, deer, bison, moose, caribou, and smaller animals like beavers and rabbits. The zoo also warns that the wolves can be difficult to notice, stating, Our wolves are well-camouflaged and you might mistake a wolf for a rock.
The charges against the parents were decided in consultation with the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office. The Daily Mail has reached out to ZooAmerica, the Derry Township Police Department, and the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office for further comment, but no additional information has been released at this time.
