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Parents Charged After Toddler Reaches Wolf Habitat at Hersheypark Zoo

Prosecutors say the case turns on supervision in a setting that depends on adults to keep children behind barriers.

Overview

  • Police charged the boy’s parents with misdemeanor child endangerment after an investigation reviewed by the Dauphin County district attorney, with a preliminary hearing set for April 28.
  • The 17‑month‑old crawled under a perimeter fence Saturday, reached the primary metal barrier at ZooAmerica’s wolf habitat, and was hurt after putting a hand through the mesh.
  • Several bystanders pulled the child away during the encounter, and officials said the injuries were minor and the child never entered the enclosure.
  • Investigators said the parents were about 25 to 30 feet away on a bench and appeared to be looking at their cellphones when the child slipped under the fence.
  • Zoo officials described the contact as brief investigatory “mouthing,” noted the wolf is vaccinated and remains on exhibit, and police asked witnesses or anyone with video to contact Derry Township authorities.