Toddler Injured After Reaching Into Wolf Enclosure at Pennsylvania Zoo

Parents charged with endangering child welfare after allegedly being distracted by phones

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's hand with visible wolf teeth marks, captured in a harsh, gritty style that conveys the serious consequences of the incident.A stark visual reminder of the dangers of unsupervised children near wild animal enclosures.Hershey Today

A 17-month-old boy suffered minor injuries after sticking his hand into a wolf enclosure at the ZooAmerica park in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Police say the child's parents, Stephen Wilson and Carrie Sortor, were sitting nearby and "paying attention to their cellphones" when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of close supervision of young children at public attractions, especially around dangerous animal exhibits. It also raises questions about zoo safety protocols and parental responsibility.

The details

According to police, the toddler "squeezed through a small opening in a wooden barrier perimeter fence" and reached his hand into the metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat. A wolf approached the boy and "instinctively and naturally" took the child's hand in its mouth. Bystanders were able to pull the boy away before he sustained serious injuries.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Stephen Wilson

The 61-year-old father of the 17-month-old boy who was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Carrie Sortor

The 43-year-old mother of the 17-month-old boy who was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

ZooAmerica

The zoo in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the incident occurred.

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What’s next

The parents, Stephen Wilson and Carrie Sortor, are scheduled to appear in court on the charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to remain vigilant and keep a close eye on their children, especially in public spaces with dangerous animals. It also highlights the need for zoos to continually review and improve safety protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring.