Toddler injured after reaching through barrier at Hershey zoo

An 18-month-old child crawled under a fence and got too close to a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:08pm

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A toddler suffered minor injuries after getting too close to a wolf enclosure at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Officials say the unsupervised 18-month-old crawled under a perimeter fence and reached through a barrier, where a wolf made contact with the child's hand. The child is reported to be okay.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of proper supervision and safety protocols at zoos, where visitors can easily underestimate the risks posed by wild animals. It also raises questions about enclosure design and security measures to prevent such accidents.

The details

Video shared by the zoo shows the wolf enclosure, but not the specific incident. The 18-month-old child crawled under a perimeter fence and reached through a barrier, where a wolf made contact with the child's hand, resulting in minor injuries.

  • The incident occurred on April 5, 2026.

The players

ZooAmerica

A zoo located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that is part of the Hersheypark entertainment complex.

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What’s next

The zoo is investigating the incident and reviewing its safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to closely supervise children when visiting zoos and other attractions with wild animals, and for zoos to prioritize visitor safety through robust enclosure designs and security measures.