A 17-month-old toddler suffered minor injuries after crawling under a fence and sticking their hand into a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica, part of Hersheypark in Pennsylvania. The incident occurred on Saturday when the unsupervised child breached the park’s perimeter fencing and approached the wolves’ primary metal enclosure.
The wolf made contact with the child’s hand in a manner described by zoo officials as 'consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression.' The child was never inside the wolf habitat, and the injuries were characterized as minor. The zoo emphasized that its habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection and clear signage to ensure safe viewing.
The child’s parents, Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J. B. Wilson, 61, were charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children. Police reported that the couple had walked about 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler to a bench area and appeared to be focused on their cellphones. The charges were decided in consultation with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office.
ZooAmerica, which houses three gray wolves, is part of the Hersheypark amusement park. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and participates in conservation efforts, including the Species Survival Plan program.