Toddler Injured by Wolf at Hersheypark Zoo After Crawling Under Safety Barrier

Parents charged with child endangerment after incident at ZooAmerica exhibit

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:33pm

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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, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of this incident.A stark close-up of a wolf's paw print highlights the wild nature lurking just beyond the zoo's barriers, a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols.Lancaster Today

A toddler was injured by a wolf at Hersheypark's ZooAmerica over the weekend after the child crawled under a safety barrier while the parents were distracted. The parents have been charged with misdemeanor child endangerment by police.

Why it matters

Incidents of visitors, especially children, being injured by animals at accredited U.S. zoos are considered rare, as zoos have strict safety standards and multiple barriers in place to prevent direct contact. This case highlights the importance of parental supervision at zoos to ensure the safety of young children.

The details

According to reports, the 18-month-old child was able to crawl under an exterior perimeter fence, travel to the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat, and put a hand through that fence. A wolf then approached and made contact with the child's hand. The zoo stated the child was never inside the wolf's enclosure and the injuries were minor.

  • The incident occurred over the weekend at Hersheypark's ZooAmerica.
  • The parents were charged by police on Sunday.

The players

ZooAmerica

The zoo located within Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is home to a pack of three wolves.

Derry Township Police Department

The local police department that charged the parents with misdemeanor child endangerment.

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What they’re saying

“Based on our review, an unsupervised 18-month old child was able to crawl under an exterior perimeter fence, travel to the primary metal enclosure surrounding the wolf habitat, and put his hand through that fence. 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.”

— ZooAmerica

“The safety of our guests and the wellbeing of our animals at ZooAmerica 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.”

— ZooAmerica

What’s next

The Derry Township Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and the parents may face additional charges or penalties.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of parental supervision at zoos, where even with extensive safety measures in place, a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a dangerous situation. It serves as a reminder for all visitors to closely monitor children and follow all posted rules and guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of both guests and animals.