Parents Charged After Toddler Injured at Hershey's ZooAmerica Wolf Enclosure

Carrie Sortor and Stephen Wilson face misdemeanor charges for endangering their child's welfare.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The parents of a 17-month-old child who crawled through a fence and was grabbed by a wolf at the ZooAmerica wolf enclosure in Hershey, Pennsylvania have been charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children. The child suffered minor injuries, and the parents were allegedly distracted by their cellphones when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about parental responsibility and safety protocols at zoos, as well as the potential risks posed by wild animals in captivity. It highlights the need for heightened vigilance and supervision when visiting animal exhibits, especially with young children.

The details

According to police, Carrie Sortor, 43, and Stephen Wilson, 61, both of Lititz, Pennsylvania, had walked 25-30 feet away from their 17-month-old child, who then crawled through a small opening in the outer fence of the wolf enclosure. One of the wolves 'instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child's hand with its mouth,' though the child was never inside the wolf's enclosure. Several bystanders intervened to pull the child away, and the parents appeared to be distracted by their cellphones when they noticed the commotion.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Charges were filed against the parents on the same day, April 5, 2026.

The players

Carrie Sortor

A 43-year-old parent from Lititz, Pennsylvania, who was charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children.

Stephen Wilson

A 61-year-old parent from Lititz, Pennsylvania, who was charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children.

ZooAmerica

A zoo located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is home to the wolf enclosure where the incident occurred.

Derry Township Police

The police department that charged the parents and is investigating the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Derry Township Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, assisted the child, has video, or has other information to contact Sergeant Dennis Eckenrode.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of parental supervision and responsibility when visiting zoos and other animal exhibits, especially with young children. It also raises questions about safety protocols and the potential risks posed by wild animals in captivity.