Toddler Injured by Wolf at Zoo America After Crawling Under Fence

The unsupervised 18-month-old reached their hand through the barrier, leading to minor injuries.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A child suffered minor injuries after crawling under a fence at Zoo America in Pennsylvania and approaching a wolf enclosure. The unsupervised 18-month-old breached the park's perimeter fencing and made their way to the wolves' primary metal enclosure, where the child reached their hand through the barrier. A wolf approached and made contact with the child's hand, but the toddler was never inside the wolf's enclosure.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of proper supervision and safety protocols at zoos, where wild animals can pose a risk to visitors, especially young children. It also raises questions about the design and effectiveness of zoo enclosures in preventing such breaches.

The details

According to Zoo America, the child and their family were not identified, and details on the injuries were not provided, though they were described as minor. The zoo stated that the safety of its visitors is a top priority, and that guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times. The zoo's habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday morning.

The players

Zoo America

A wildlife park that is part of the Hersheypark amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is accredited by the Association Of Zoos And Aquariums and has a dedicated conservation effort, participating in the Species Survival Plan program.

Hersheypark

A large amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania that includes the Zoo America wildlife park.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for both zoos and visitors to prioritize safety and supervision, especially when it comes to young children. It highlights the need for robust safety protocols and effective enclosure designs to prevent such breaches and protect both visitors and the animals in the zoo's care.