8-Year-Old Girl Airlifted to Hospital After Arctic Wolf Attack at German Wildlife Park — Employee Under Investigation

The child was inside a wolf enclosure with two other girls during a special zookeeper experience when the attack occurred. A staff member intervened to prevent the other children from being harmed.

A special wildlife experience for children took a frightening turn when an 8-year-old girl was seriously injured in an attack involving one or possibly several Arctic wolves at a wildlife park in Germany. The incident happened on October 28, 2026, at Wildpark Johannismühle in Baruth/Mark, approximately 45 miles south of Berlin. According to local officials, the children were inside the wolves’ enclosure while staff members were providing water to the animals. The girl sustained serious injuries, prompting an emergency response that ended with her being flown by rescue helicopter to a hospital in Berlin.

Two other girls were also inside the enclosure when the attack happened. Officials said a zookeeper intervened quickly, preventing the animals from harming the other children. Emergency responders provided initial treatment to the injured girl before transporting her by helicopter. Her condition has not been publicly confirmed. However, German newspaper Bild reported that she suffered severe head injuries. Authorities have not disclosed how the attack began or exactly how many wolves were involved.

The incident has raised questions about why children were allowed inside an enclosure containing wild predators and what safety precautions were in place. The event had been arranged in advance and took place before the wildlife park opened to regular visitors. Police confirmed that the staff member who was supervising the children is under investigation on suspicion of negligent bodily harm. No finding of criminal wrongdoing has been announced, and investigators have not yet publicly explained what may have gone wrong during the activity.

Authorities are also examining the park’s safety and animal welfare procedures. The Lower Nature Conservation Authority and the Veterinary and Food Inspection Office are expected to review the police findings, while veterinary officials planned an on-site inspection. Officials said a professional assessment of the health and behavior of the wolf or wolves involved had not yet been completed. The park expressed sadness over the incident and said it was cooperating with the investigation. It also indicated that emotional support would be provided to those affected, including the children who witnessed the attack.

Wildpark Johannismühle is home to approximately 500 animals representing around 50 species, including Arctic wolves, gray wolves, bears and lynx. The park was temporarily closed after the incident, with its website initially announcing a closure through November 2. The investigation has also drawn attention to the risks involved in allowing visitors, particularly children, to participate in close-contact experiences with potentially dangerous animals. Authorities will need to establish whether the activity followed required safety procedures and whether adequate supervision was provided.

For the injured girl and her family, the immediate concern remains her recovery. Two other children escaped physical injury, but they were present during a frightening incident that has left the community deeply shaken. Until investigators complete their work, important questions remain unanswered: why the children were inside the enclosure, how the wolves were able to reach the girl, and whether the incident could have been prevented. The findings may help determine what changes are needed to prevent a similar event from happening again.

Source: PEOPLE – 8-Year-Old Girl Seriously Injured in Wolf Attack During Zookeeper Event at Wildlife Park