‘Unsupervised’child at Hersheypark zoo injured by wolf after crawling under safety barrier

A toddler described as “unsupervised” was injured by a wolf over the weekendin Hersheypark’s ZooAmericaafter managing to crawl into a restricted area. 

The parents, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, were charged Sunday by police with one count each of misdemeanor child endangerment, according to multiple reports. 

Police say the parents moved about 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler toward a seating area and were looking at their cellphones at the time of the incident, reports say. 

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“Based on our review, an unsupervised 18-month old child was able to crawl under an exterior perimeter fence, travel to the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat, and put his hand through that fence,�

“A wolf approached and made contactwith the child’s hand.This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression,” the zoo’s statement continued. 

The parents of an “unsupervised” toddler are being charged after the child crawled under a protective outer fence at an exhibit at Hersheypark’s ZooAmerica in Pennsylvania and was injured by a wolf.(iStock)

“The child was never inside the wolf’s enclosure, and we are relieved the injuries were minor,” the zoo said. 

The zoo’swolf packconsists of three animals: a male named Twister and two female sisters, Hazel and Freya. 

accredited U.S.zoosare considered rare, and strict safety standards, including secure enclosures and multiple barriers, are designed to prevent direct contact with animals, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), based in Maryland. 

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A gray wolf is seen above.The zoo’s wolf pack at Hersheypark consists of three gray wolves (not pictured): a male named Twister and two female sisters, Hazel and Freya. (AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File)

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When incidents do occur, they typically involveunusual situations, such as visitors bypassing barriers or participating in close-contact experiences, rather than normal zoo visits.

“Most zoos do their utmost to keep the public safe,�

Cheyenne Mountain Zooand Louisville Zoo state that children must remain under adult supervision during visits.

Hersheypark’s ZooAmerica said the wolf’s contact with the child’s hand was “not a sign of aggression,” but instead was “consistent with natural animal behavior.”(iStock)

“There are generally all kinds of signs warning of any danger and asking for the public not to enter these areas.It would be up to the parents to follow them,” LoVullo added. 

Zoos strictly prohibit crossing barriers or reaching into enclosures, emphasizing that thesesafeguards are in place to protectboth visitors and animals.

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Organizations such as the AZA stress that while facilities are designed with safety in mind,parents and guardiansremain the first line of supervision.

“The safety of our guests and the wellbeing of our animals at ZooAmerica are always our highest priorities,” said ZooAmerica. 

“Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times,” ZooAmerica said.(iStock)

“Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing.”

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The institution added, “Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closelysupervise childrenat all times.”