Toddler Enters Zoo Wolf Exhibit as Parents Distracted by Phones

Strangers rushed to save the child, who suffered minor injuries, as parents face charges

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a wolf's open mouth and sharp teeth, lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the danger and intensity of the situation at the zoo exhibit.A wolf's instinctive reaction exposes the risks of distracted parenting at the zoo.Hershey Today

A 17-month-old child at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, crawled through a fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf exhibit while his parents, Carrie B. Sortor and Stephen J. B. Wilson, were distracted by their phones. Witnesses rushed to help the child after a wolf grabbed the child's hand, and the toddler suffered only minor injuries. However, the parents now face child endangerment charges that could result in up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of parental distraction and the importance of constant supervision when visiting public spaces with young children, especially those with dangerous animals nearby. It raises questions about zoo safety protocols and whether parents should face criminal charges for such lapses in judgment.

The details

According to police, the toddler 'squeezed through a small opening in a wooden barrier perimeter fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf exhibit, reaching the primary metal fence enclosure.' A wolf quickly approached and 'instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child's hand with its mouth.' Witnesses rushed to help the child, and the parents, who were seated 25 to 30 feet away and not paying attention, looked up from their phones after hearing the commotion.

  • The incident occurred on April 4, 2026 at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
  • The toddler was 17 months old at the time of the incident.

The players

Carrie B. Sortor

The 43-year-old mother of the toddler who entered the wolf exhibit while she was distracted by her phone.

Stephen J. B. Wilson

The 61-year-old father of the toddler who entered the wolf exhibit while he was distracted by his phone.

ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park

The zoo in Hershey, Pennsylvania where the incident occurred.

Quinn Bryner

The public relations director for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, who provided a statement about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“A wolf approached and made contact with the child's hand. This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior, and was not a sign of aggression.”

— Quinn Bryner, Public Relations Director, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts

“The safety of our guests and the well-being of our animals are always our highest priorities. Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.”

— Quinn Bryner, Public Relations Director, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Carrie B. Sortor and Stephen J. B. Wilson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder for all parents to remain vigilant and keep their eyes on their children at all times, especially in public spaces with potential dangers nearby. It also raises questions about zoo safety protocols and whether criminal charges are an appropriate response to parental distraction.