Two zookeepers were hospitalized Wednesday morning after being attacked by wolves inside an animal enclosure, prompting an emergency rescue operation involving local firefighters.
The incident occurred while staff members were responding to the overnight death of a wolf within the enclosure. Zoo officials said the animal had died of natural causes sometime between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
As part of routine procedures, two zookeepers entered the enclosure to address the situation. During that process, several wolves became aggressive and attacked the workers.
One of the zookeepers suffered multiple bite injuries to the neck and limbs but managed to escape the enclosure on her own. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and she was later transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The second worker sought safety by climbing onto the roof of a structure located inside the enclosure. Firefighters then carried out a rescue operation, lowering a ladder into the area so the employee could safely exit. That worker also sustained bite wounds to the arms and legs.
Both injured employees were taken to local hospitals. Officials said their conditions have since stabilized.
The wolf exhibit was closed following the incident, though the remainder of the zoo remained open to visitors throughout the day.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine exactly what led to the attack and whether any additional safety measures may be needed moving forward.
Zoo officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident or the identities of the injured workers.
