The Derry Township Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at approximately 11:35 am at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania, according to a media release.
During the incident, an unsupervised 17-month-old child squeezed through a small opening in a wooden barrier perimeter fence and entered a restricted area near the wolf exhibit, reaching the primary metal fence enclosure.
The child was injured after they placed their hand through the metal fencing. From the injuries sustained, it appears as though one of the wolves in the enclosure instinctively and naturally grabbed onto the child’s hand with its mouth. Several bystanders intervened and helped pull the child away. Upon completion of the initial investigation by the Derry Township Police Department and consultation with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, the parents Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen J. B. Wilson, 61, both of Lititz, are each being charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children (M1).
Evidence reviewed showed that Sortor and Wilson both walked about 25 to 30 feet away from the child to a seating area with benches. They both appear to be paying attention to their cellphones when they notice the commotion at the Wolf enclosure. Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, assisted the child, has any personal video, or has additional information to contact Sergeant Dennis Eckenrode at (717) 534-2202 or daeckenr@derrytownship.org. You can also Submit a Tip through