An 8-year-old girl was seriously injured when an Arctic wolf attacked during a zookeeper experience at a wildlife park in Germany.
The incident happened on Oct. 28 at Wildpark Johannismühle, near Baruth/Mark, about 45 miles south of Berlin, according to the Teltow-Fläming district. Police said the girl was hurt by “at least one wolf” while caretakers were giving water to animals in the enclosure.
First responders treated the child before she was flown to a Berlin hospital. Her condition has not been publicly disclosed. A local media report said she suffered critical head injuries.
Two other girls were also inside the enclosure. The caretaker present took steps to protect them, according to the district’s statement.
Chaplains are supporting four people, including three children, after the incident. Police are investigating, and the district said the Lower Nature Conservation Authority and the Veterinary and Food Surveillance Office will receive the police report and decide what action to take.
The veterinary office plans to visit the park soon to inspect animal welfare conditions. Officials said they do not yet have a professional assessment of the health or behavior of the wolf, or wolves, involved. That will be considered as the investigation continues.
Wildpark Johannismühle offers visitors close-up animal experiences, including a “Zookeeper for a Day” program that involves enclosure care, food preparation and feeding. The park also advertises a supervised, half-day animal-care activity for children.
The park is home to Arctic and gray wolves and is expected to remain closed until Nov. 2, according to its website.
“We very much hope that the child recovers soon, and wish all those affected a lot of strength to process what they experienced,” Björn Christian Paterok of the Teltow-Fläming district said in the statement.
