A visit to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park took a terrifying turn this past weekend, resulting in criminal charges for two parents after their toddler was injured by a wolf.
According to the Derry Township Police Department, the incident occurred around 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Investigators say a 17-month-old child managed to squeeze through a small opening in a wooden perimeter fence and enter a restricted area adjacent to the wolf habitat.
Once in the restricted zone, the child reached the primary metal enclosure and stuck their hand through the fencing. One of the zoo’s wolves then “naturally and instinctively” grabbed the child’s hand with its mouth.
The child’s parents, identified as Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J.B. Wilson, 61, both of Lititz, have each been charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Police allege that at the time of the incident, the parents had walked approximately 25 to 30 feet away to a seating area. Evidence suggests both parents were focused on their cellphones and only noticed the situation when they heard a commotion near the enclosure.
Fortunately, several bystanders witnessed the event and intervened quickly to pull the toddler away from the fence. The child sustained only minor injuries and was never actually inside the wolf habitat.
In a statement released Monday, a spokesperson for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts emphasized that the animal’s behavior was not aggressive but rather a natural response.
“Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing,” the statement read. “The wolf’s response… was consistent with natural animal behavior. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.”
ZooAmerica currently houses a pack of three wolves: a male named Twister and two sisters, Hazel and Freya. Officials have not yet specified which wolf was involved in the encounter.
The Derry Township Police Department and the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, assisted the child, or has video footage to contact Sgt. Dennis Eckenrode at 717-534-2202.
This incident comes just one day after several arrests were made at the adjacent Hersheypark during its 2026 opening day, marking a high-intensity start to the spring season for local law enforcement.
