Parents Charged After Toddler Hurt by Wolf at Pennsylvania Zoo

The child suffered minor injuries after entering a restricted area near a wolf exhibit.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:00pm

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The parents of a 1.5-year-old toddler who suffered minor injuries after reaching into a wolf enclosure at a Pennsylvania zoo have been charged with endangering the welfare of children. Evidence showed the parents were distracted by their cellphones when the child slipped through a fence and made contact with one of the wolves.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of constant supervision of young children, especially in areas with dangerous animals. The charges against the parents reflect the seriousness with which authorities view such lapses in parental responsibility that can lead to potential harm.

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 at ZooAmerica in Hersheypark. The child then reached a chain-link fence enclosure and was hurt after placing a hand through it. The zoo said the wolf's contact with the child's hand was brief and investigatory, not forceful or aggressive.

  • The incident occurred shortly before noon on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The parents await a preliminary hearing later this month on the misdemeanor charge.

The players

ZooAmerica

A theme park zoo located in Hersheypark, Pennsylvania.

Derry Township Police

The local police department that investigated the incident and filed charges against the parents.

Fran Chardo

The Dauphin County District Attorney who said the decision to file criminal charges was carefully considered.

Garth W. Warner

The Derry Township Police Chief who stated he was unsure how long the parents' attention was distracted.

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What they’re saying

“From the injuries sustained, it appears as though one of the wolves in the enclosure instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child's hand with its mouth. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away.”

— Derry Township Police

“A wolf approached and made contact with the child's hand. This was not a forceful or aggressive action, but rather a brief, investigatory behavior consistent with how wild canines interact with unfamiliar objects in their environment.”

— ZooAmerica spokesperson

“We looked at a lot of factors—the age of the child, the circumstances, how diligent you have to be because it's potentially dangerous.”

— Fran Chardo, Dauphin County District Attorney

“There are plenty of opportunities for a child of that age to hurt themselves on things. Let alone, be left alone, essentially by themselves, where they could get themselves into a situation like this child did.”

— Garth W. Warner, Derry Township Police Chief

What’s next

The parents await a preliminary hearing later this month on the misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of children.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a tragic reminder for all parents to maintain constant vigilance when their young children are in close proximity to dangerous animals, even in a controlled zoo setting. The charges against the parents underscore the serious consequences that can result from momentary lapses in supervision.