Toddler injured by wolf after crawling under fence at Hersheypark's zoo, police say parents were on their phones

The parents of a 17-month-old who was injured after crawling under a fence and sticking his hand into a wolf enclosure at the ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, have been charged, according to the Derry Township Police Department. 

On Saturday, April 4, an unsupervised child crawled under an exterior perimeter fence and then made his way to the primary metal enclosure that surrounds the wolf habitat, according to a spokesperson for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.

The 17-month-old put his hand through the fence, at which point "a wolf approached and made contact with the child's hand," a statement on behalf of ZooAmerica said.

According to police, several bystanders helped pull the young child away after the wolf got a hold of his hand with its mouth.

"This type of response is consistent with natural animal behavior and was not a sign of aggression. The child was never inside the wolf's enclosure, and we are relieved the injuries were minor," the park's statement continued.

Police said evidence shows that the child's parents, Carrie B. Sortor and Stephen J. B. Wilson, had both "walked about 25 to 30 feet away from the child to a seating area with benches," and were using their cellphones before they realized what was going on around the enclosure.

Police said Sortor and Wilson, who are both from Lititz, have each been charged with one count of endangering the welfare of children.

ZooAmerica said its habitats are designed with "multiple layers of protection" and clear signage about barriers, and visitors are expected to remain within designated areas and supervise children at all times.

ZooAmerica, which is located inside Hersheypark, is an 11-acre zoo that houses animals found in North America. According to the park's website, it is home to three gray wolves: Twister, Hazel and Freya.

As the investigation continues, police are asking for any witnesses to the incident to provide video, photos or information.