A frightening moment at a Pennsylvania zoo has raised serious concerns about child safety and supervision after a toddler was injured in an incident involving a wolf enclosure.
According to the Derry Township Police Department, a 17-month-old boy suffered minor injuries after managing to get dangerously close to a wolf exhibit at ZooAmerica in Hershey. Police say the child slipped through a small gap in a wooden perimeter fence before approaching the main enclosure.
Authorities allege the child’s parents, identified as Stephen Wilson and Carrie Sortor, were seated about 25 to 30 feet away at the time, reportedly distracted by their phones. They have since been charged with misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Investigators say the toddler reached the metal barrier surrounding the wolf habitat and put his hand through it. A wolf approached and briefly took the child’s hand in its mouth. Bystanders nearby quickly intervened and pulled the child away, preventing more serious harm.
A spokesperson from Hershey Entertainment and Resorts emphasized that the animal never left its enclosure and that the habitat includes multiple safety layers. The company noted that the wolf’s reaction was instinctive and not aggressive.
The child’s injuries were described as minor, but the incident has sparked broader discussions about parental responsibility in public spaces—especially in environments where even a moment’s distraction can lead to danger.
Police say the case remains under review, and further legal proceedings are expected.
