Parents Charged After Toddler Enters Wolf Enclosure at Hersheypark Zoo

Child suffered minor injuries after squeezing through fence and making contact with wolf.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a wolf's paw print in the dirt, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into a recent incident where a toddler entered a zoo's wolf exhibit.A stark, close-up view of the physical evidence from a recent incident where a toddler entered a wolf enclosure at a Pennsylvania theme park zoo, underscoring the need for heightened safety measures.Hershey Today

The parents of a toddler who suffered a minor injury at the ZooAmerica exhibit in Hersheypark after the child squeezed through a fence and entered a restricted area near a wolf enclosure have been charged with endangering the welfare of children. Police said the parents were paying attention to their cellphones when the incident occurred.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about safety protocols and parental supervision at theme park zoos, where the potential for dangerous animal encounters exists. It also highlights the need for robust barriers and signage to prevent unauthorized access to animal habitats.

The details

According to police, the toddler went through a small opening in a wooden barrier fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf exhibit. The child then reached a primary metal fence enclosure and was hurt after placing a hand through that fencing. Evidence showed the parents had walked 25-30 feet away to a seating area and were focused on their phones when they noticed what was happening.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday at the ZooAmerica exhibit in Hersheypark.
  • The parents were charged with the misdemeanor offense of endangering the welfare of children after an initial investigation and consultation with the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office.
  • The parents are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 28.

The players

ZooAmerica

The zoo located within the Hersheypark entertainment complex in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which features three gray wolves.

Derry Township Police

The local law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and charged the parents.

Dauphin County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that consulted with police on the charges against the parents.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on April 28 whether to allow the parents to be released on bail pending their trial.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for theme parks and zoos to have robust safety protocols and for parents to closely supervise their children at all times, especially around dangerous animal exhibits. It also raises questions about whether additional measures are needed to prevent unauthorized access to animal habitats.