The parents of a 17-month-old toddler have been charged with child endangerment after their child was injured by a wolf at ZooAmerica in Hersheypark, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred on Saturday when the child managed to squeeze through a small opening in a wooden barrier perimeter fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf exhibit. The child placed their hand through the metal fencing, and a wolf instinctively grabbed onto it with its mouth. The child sustained minor injuries and was pulled away by bystanders.
The parents, Carrie Sortor, 43, and Stephen Wilson, 61, were sitting on a bench approximately 30 feet away from the child and appeared to be looking at their cell phones at the time of the incident. Police stated that the parents only noticed the commotion after hearing a disturbance. Both parents have been charged with one count of endangering the welfare of children, a misdemeanor offense. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28.
ZooAmerica’s Response
The zoo issued a statement confirming the incident, noting that the wolf’s response was consistent with natural animal behavior and not a sign of aggression. The child was never inside the wolf’s enclosure, and the injuries were minor. The zoo’s wolf pack consists of three animals: a male named Twister and two female sisters, Hazel and Freya.
Safety Measures and Context
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) emphasizes that injuries to visitors, especially children, are rare in accredited U.S. zoos. Strict safety standards, including secure enclosures and multiple barriers, are designed to prevent direct contact with animals. Incidents typically occur when visitors bypass barriers or engage in unusual behavior.
Police and Legal Proceedings
The Derry Township Police Department stated that there were signs in the area advising parents to supervise their children. Police Chief Garth Warner noted that the parents did not follow these instructions. Authorities have appealed for anyone who witnessed or filmed the incident to come forward.