An eight-year-old girl was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being mauled by wolves during a "zookeeper for a day" experience at Johannismühle Wildlife Park in Baruth, Brandenburg, Germany. The incident took place on Wednesday morning, before the park opened to the public, during an exclusive pre-opening session in which just three children were booked to shadow staff members.
Attack During Pre-Opening Session
The girl entered the wolf enclosure with two other children and a professional guide. Once inside, wolves reportedly attacked the child, leaving her severely injured before the situation was brought under control. Emergency services were called, and the girl was taken to hospital, where she is said to be in a serious but not currently life-threatening condition.
The other two children escaped physical injury but were treated for severe shock, according to Bild. A spokesperson for the West Police Directorate confirmed that officers were alerted at 9.30am.
Helicopter Rescue and Hospitalisation
The girl was reportedly airlifted by rescue helicopter to the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin in Marzahn, where she is also said to have sustained severe head injuries. The park has since been closed as investigations get underway. Cordon tape was visible at the entrance, with a sign on the door citing "technical reasons" for the closure.
It has been confirmed that the wildlife park will remain closed "until further notice" following the incident, and will only be permitted to reopen once the relevant authority grants approval.
Investigation Underway
Police and the Teltow-Fläming district administration have launched a comprehensive investigation into how and why children were permitted inside an enclosure containing apex predators, and whether critical safety protocols were violated. A park map reveals grey wolves and polar wolves reside there, alongside brown bears and lynx. The park's website also promotes exclusive animal encounters for children, including the line: "Maybe you would like to feed wolves."
A local resident from Klasdorf told reporters: "You always felt safe there, even with the children. I can't explain how this could have happened."
