Two zookeepers have sustained "severe injuries" after entering a wolf enclosure. According to People, the chilling incident happened on June 3 at Washington Park Zoo in Indiana.
City officials opened up about what had happened. The zookeepers didn't just go into the enclosure for no reason - of course, that's something that's strictly forbidden.
They had a genuine, albeit quite sad, reason. That's because a 10-year-old female timberwolf named Echo had sadly died overnight. They needed to get in there to "assess the situation."
The city explained in a statement that "when staff entered the enclosure to assess the situation, the two surviving wolves - Koda and Nikos - instinctively became protective and agitated, as wolves are deeply social animals with strong bonds to their pack."
Responders ended up being called, including Michigan City Police and Fire, as well as La Porte County EMS. One zookeeper had sustained at least four bite wounds to her neck and limbs.
The other zookeeper had sustained a wound to her forearm. She needed to be removed from the enclosure with a ladder.
The city explained that "officers provided immediate first aid on scene before medical teams arrived". Both were immediately transported to hospital. One of the zookeepers is still in hospital because of the nature of their injuries.
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The Michigan City Mayor Released a Statement About the Wolves
Angie Nelson Deuitch said that "Our zookeepers are dedicated professionals with deep expertise who compassionately care for these animals 365 days a year."
"They arrived to do their jobs, and they encountered something no one should have to face. We will not be sharing their names, and we ask that the public and media honor their privacy and their dignity as they heal. This was a traumatic experience for everyone involved."
The Washington Park Zoo said that they were also looking into the wolves situation. "Washington Park Zoo is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident and habitat entry procedures as part of its standard commitment to employee safety and animal care. We have notified all appropriate regulatory agencies and are cooperating fully with their reviews."
