Parents have been charged after an ‘unsupervised’ child crawled towards wolves and was injured

Police charged the parents, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on Sunday with child endangerment, according to multiple reports.

Police say the parents moved about 25 to 30 feet away from the toddler toward the seating area and were looking at their cell phones at the time of the incident, reports say. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Derry Township Police Department for more details.

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“Based on our review, an unsupervised 18-month-old child was able to crawl under an outdoor fence, travel to the primary metal fence surrounding the wolf habitat, and put his hand through that fence,” ZooAmerica said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital, in response to an inquiry about the incident.

“The wolf approached and called In the child’s hand. The zoo statement continued: “This type of response is consistent with normal animal behavior and was not a sign of aggression.”

The parents of an “unsupervised” toddler have been charged after the child crawled under a protective outdoor fence at an exhibit at the Hersheypark Zoo in Pennsylvania and was injured by a coyote. (Istock)

“The child was never inside the wolf’s enclosure, and we are relieved that the injuries were minor,” the zoo said.

Zoo Wolf pack It consists of three animals: a male named Twister and two sisters named Hazel and Freya.

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Officials have not identified the wolf involved in the incident.

Injuries to visitors – especially children – from animals Accredited American Zoos They are considered rare, and strict safety standards, including secure enclosures and multiple barriers, are designed to prevent direct contact with the animals, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), headquartered in Maryland.

The gray wolf is shown above. The wolf pack at the Hersheypark Zoo consists of three gray wolves (not pictured): a male named Twister and two sisters, Hazel and Freya. (AP Photo/Don Villella, File)

When accidents happen, they usually involve… Unusual situationssuch as visitors crossing barriers or participating in close contact experiences, instead of regular zoo visits.

“Most zoos are doing their best to keep the public safe,” Jamey Lovullo, founder and president of the California-based animal protection agency, told Fox News Digital.

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Zoos typically require young children to be closely monitored at all times, and many make this an explicit rule.

Institutions such as Cheyenne Mountain Zoo The Louisville Zoo states that children must remain under adult supervision during visits.

The Hersheypark Zoo said the wolf’s contact with the child’s hand “was not a sign of aggression,” but was “consistent with normal animal behavior.” (Istock)

“There are generally all kinds of signs warning of any danger and asking the public not to enter these areas. It will be up to the parents to follow them,” Lovullo added.

Zoos strictly prohibit crossing barriers or accessing the enclosures, with emphasis placed on this Safeguards are in place to protect it Both visitors and animals.

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Organizations like AZA emphasize that although facilities are designed with safety in mind, Parents and guardians He remains the first line of supervision.

“The safety of our guests and the well-being of our animals at ZooAmerica is always our highest priority,” ZooAmerica said.

“Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times,” ZooAmerica said. (Istock)

“Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing.”

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The organization added: “Guests are expected to remain within designated and closely spaced areas Supervising children At all times.”