Two Pennsylvania parents are facing criminal charges after their toddler was injured by a wolf at a zoo inside Hersheypark, authorities said.
The incident occurred Saturday at ZooAmerica, where a 17-month-old child slipped through a small opening in a wooden perimeter fence near a wolf exhibit and entered a restricted area, according to police.
Investigators said the child then reached a secondary metal barrier surrounding the enclosure and put a hand through the fencing, where a wolf made contact with the child’s hand.
Police described the animal’s response as “instinctive” behavior, noting the wolf appeared to briefly grab or “mouth” the child’s hand rather than attack.
The toddler sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries, and bystanders quickly intervened to pull the child away.
Parents Allegedly Distracted
Authorities said the child’s parents, a 43-year-old woman and a 61-year-old man from Lititz, were sitting roughly 25 to 30 feet away on a bench at the time of the incident.
Police allege the couple appeared to be focused on their cellphones and did not immediately notice the situation unfolding.
Both parents have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor offense. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled later this month.
Zoo: Behavior Was ‘Natural,’ Not Aggressive
ZooAmerica officials emphasized that the wolf’s actions were not considered aggressive, describing the contact as typical exploratory behavior.
“Wolves investigate unfamiliar objects using their mouths,” the zoo said, adding that the enclosure includes multiple layers of protection, fencing, and warning signage.
Officials also confirmed the child was never inside the wolf habitat itself, but had reached through the barrier.
The animal remains on exhibit and is up to date on vaccinations, according to the zoo.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing to review the incident and have asked any witnesses to come forward.
The case has drawn renewed attention to child supervision standards in public settings, particularly around potentially hazardous environments such as animal enclosures.
READ NEXT: Trump Moved To Oust Gabbard — Then One Ally Intervened
I Think The Baby Was In An “Adoptive Care” Type Of Program. Not His/Her Real Parents.