Toddler Bitten by Wolf at ZooAmerica After Crawling Under Fence
A toddler suffered minor injuries at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, April 4, after crawling under a perimeter fence and reaching his hand through the primary barrier of the zoo's wolf habitat. A wolf grabbed the child's hand with its mouth. Bystanders intervened and pulled the child away. The boy's parents have since been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
What Happened
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. The toddler, identified by some outlets as 17 months old and by ZooAmerica as 18 months old, squeezed through a small opening in an outer wooden perimeter fence and made his way to the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat. He put his hand through the metal fencing, and a wolf grabbed it with its mouth.
The child was never inside the wolf's enclosure at any point, according to the zoo's review of the incident. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull him away. He was treated for minor injuries. ZooAmerica confirmed the wolf involved is in good health and current on all veterinary care and vaccinations.
The Zoo's Response
ZooAmerica, operated by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company, said the wolf's behavior was not a sign of aggression. "A wolf approached and made contact with the child's hand. This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior," the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo emphasized that its habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection and that clear signage and barriers are in place throughout the facility. It noted that visitors are expected to remain within designated areas and supervise children at all times.
ZooAmerica has three wolves in its pack: a male named Twister and two female sisters named Hazel and Freya. The zoo has not disclosed which of the three was involved in Saturday's incident.
Parents Charged
Carrie Sortor, 43, and Stephen Wilson, 61, both of Lititz in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are each charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators said the couple had walked approximately 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler to a seating area with benches. They appeared to be looking at their cellphones at the time the child wandered toward the enclosure.
About ZooAmerica
ZooAmerica covers approximately 11 acres in Hershey, Pennsylvania, about 95 miles west of Philadelphia. It is home to more than 200 animals native to North America and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo is part of the broader Hersheypark complex, a 121-acre family amusement park featuring more than 70 rides and attractions and a water park.
The zoo's wolf habitat is one of its signature exhibits and is designed with layered fencing to create separation between visitors and the animals. Despite the barriers in place, the toddler was able to breach the outer perimeter through a gap in the wooden fence before reaching the inner metal enclosure.
A Reminder About Zoo Safety
Incidents involving children and animal enclosures are rare but not unprecedented at accredited zoos. In most cases, they involve a lapse in supervision rather than a failure of zoo infrastructure. ZooAmerica's statement made clear that the outer perimeter fence, while designed to discourage access, is not intended to function as the primary barrier — that role belongs to the inner metal enclosure around each habitat.
Parents and caregivers visiting zoos are generally advised to keep young children within arm's reach at all times, particularly near animal habitats. Toddlers can move quickly and fit through spaces that adults may not notice or consider a risk. The gap the child used to access the wolf habitat area was small enough that it may not have appeared to be a passable opening to an adult observer.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident has been asked to contact Derry Township Police.
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