Thank You Zoo America for using rabies vaccines in wildlife parks
The Issue
While it is a relief that the child involved in the recent incident at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is safe and only sustained minor injuries, there is another relief: the welfare of the wolves who were involved was taken into consideration. As an advocate for humane animal treatment, I was relieved to read that the wolves will NOT be euthanized. The wildlife education facility instead made the compassionate choice to vaccinate the wolves against rabies.
https://rapidliverabiestest.wordpress.com/
In Pennsylvania, and indeed nationwide, historically the procedure following such incidents often involved euthanizing wildlife for rabies testing. However, modern veterinary science has developed several vaccines and non-lethal methods for detecting rabies in animals. These procedures not only preserve the lives of these majestic creatures but also ensure that children and other visitors to wildlife parks remain safe and protected.
Vaccines played a critical role in this context. They are proven to be effective without the need to euthanize animals for testing purposes. It is crucial that we adopt these measures to protect wildlife while ensuring public safety.
I urge other wildlife parks to follow Zoo America's lead and review their policies to adopt vaccine protocols and non-lethal rabies testing methods immediately. This not only safeguards the animals but aligns with ethical treatment standards that many visitors expect from such establishments.
By signing this petition, we advocate for a humane and scientifically informed approach to wildlife management that values life and safety for both humans and animals alike. Join me in calling for these much-needed changes to protect our wildlife and maintain ethical standards in our parks.
Toddler Puts Hand in Wolf Enclosure with Parents Distracted by Phones.
A 17-month-old boy picked up some minor injuries over the weekend after he slipped through barriers at a wolf exhibit in Pennsylvania and stuck his hand right through the fence.
It happened Saturday at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park inside Hersheypark in Hershey. According to Derry Township police, the toddler’s parents, 43-year-old Carrie Sortor and 61-year-old Stephen Wilson, had walked about 25 to 30 feet away to a bench. Police say they were looking at their cellphones while the little boy wandered off on his own.
The child squeezed through a small opening in a wooden perimeter barrier, crawled under an outer fence, and reached the main metal fencing around the wolf habitat. He pushed his hand inside, and one of the wolves took it in its mouth. Zoo officials described the wolf’s reaction as normal animal behavior, not aggression, and said the boy was never actually inside the enclosure. Bystanders jumped in fast and pulled the child back.
The zoo, run by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, pointed out that its habitats have multiple layers of protection, including clear signage and barriers. In a statement, they reminded visitors that guests need to stay in the designated areas and keep a close eye on kids at all times.
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The Issue
While it is a relief that the child involved in the recent incident at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is safe and only sustained minor injuries, there is another relief: the welfare of the wolves who were involved was taken into consideration. As an advocate for humane animal treatment, I was relieved to read that the wolves will NOT be euthanized. The wildlife education facility instead made the compassionate choice to vaccinate the wolves against rabies.
https://rapidliverabiestest.wordpress.com/
In Pennsylvania, and indeed nationwide, historically the procedure following such incidents often involved euthanizing wildlife for rabies testing. However, modern veterinary science has developed several vaccines and non-lethal methods for detecting rabies in animals. These procedures not only preserve the lives of these majestic creatures but also ensure that children and other visitors to wildlife parks remain safe and protected.
Vaccines played a critical role in this context. They are proven to be effective without the need to euthanize animals for testing purposes. It is crucial that we adopt these measures to protect wildlife while ensuring public safety.
I urge other wildlife parks to follow Zoo America's lead and review their policies to adopt vaccine protocols and non-lethal rabies testing methods immediately. This not only safeguards the animals but aligns with ethical treatment standards that many visitors expect from such establishments.
By signing this petition, we advocate for a humane and scientifically informed approach to wildlife management that values life and safety for both humans and animals alike. Join me in calling for these much-needed changes to protect our wildlife and maintain ethical standards in our parks.
Toddler Puts Hand in Wolf Enclosure with Parents Distracted by Phones.
A 17-month-old boy picked up some minor injuries over the weekend after he slipped through barriers at a wolf exhibit in Pennsylvania and stuck his hand right through the fence.
It happened Saturday at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park inside Hersheypark in Hershey. According to Derry Township police, the toddler’s parents, 43-year-old Carrie Sortor and 61-year-old Stephen Wilson, had walked about 25 to 30 feet away to a bench. Police say they were looking at their cellphones while the little boy wandered off on his own.
The child squeezed through a small opening in a wooden perimeter barrier, crawled under an outer fence, and reached the main metal fencing around the wolf habitat. He pushed his hand inside, and one of the wolves took it in its mouth. Zoo officials described the wolf’s reaction as normal animal behavior, not aggression, and said the boy was never actually inside the enclosure. Bystanders jumped in fast and pulled the child back.
The zoo, run by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, pointed out that its habitats have multiple layers of protection, including clear signage and barriers. In a statement, they reminded visitors that guests need to stay in the designated areas and keep a close eye on kids at all times.
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Petition created on April 7, 2026