A troubling incident at a Pennsylvania zoo has resulted in criminal charges against two parents after their young child sustained injuries at a wolf exhibit while they were allegedly distracted by their mobile devices.
Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J.B. Wilson, 61, both of Lititz, Pennsylvania, have been charged with endangering the welfare of children following the incident at ZooAmerica, which operates within the Hersheypark theme park complex. The couple’s 17-month-old child was injured Saturday after wandering away from the parents and approaching the gray wolf enclosure.
According to the incident report from the Derry Township Police Department, the parents had moved approximately 25 to 30 feet away from their toddler to sit on nearby benches. It was at that point, investigators believe, that both adults became absorbed in their cellphones while their child wandered unsupervised.
The toddler managed to slip through a small opening in the wooden perimeter barrier and reached the metal fence that directly surrounds the wolf habitat. Police stated that one of the wolves in the enclosure grabbed the child’s hand with its mouth, causing injuries. Several bystanders who witnessed the incident quickly intervened and helped pull the child to safety.
Both parents are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 28, according to court records.
ZooAmerica officials issued a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that the wolf’s behavior was entirely natural and not aggressive in nature. The statement noted that the animal’s response was consistent with instinctive behavior that would be expected in such circumstances.
The zoo stressed that its facilities are designed with multiple protective layers and that clear signage and barriers are positioned throughout the grounds to ensure visitor safety. Officials reminded the public that guests are expected to remain within designated viewing areas and maintain close supervision of children at all times.
“The child was never inside the wolf’s enclosure, and we are relieved the injuries were minor,” the zoo’s statement read.
The facility currently houses three gray wolves: a male named Twister and two female siblings, Hazel and Freya.
This incident marks the second safety concern at the Hersheypark complex within the past year. Last summer, the park gained national attention when video footage showed a lost child wandering along a non-operational monorail line. That child was rescued by an alert park visitor and sustained no injuries.
The case raises important questions about parental supervision in public spaces and the growing concern about digital distraction in situations requiring vigilant attention to child safety. As mobile devices become increasingly prevalent in daily life, incidents such as this underscore the potential consequences when adults allow technology to divert their attention from their primary responsibility of watching their children.
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