MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana — Two zoo employees were hospitalized after wolves attacked them inside an enclosure at Washington Park Zoo on June 3, authorities said.
The incident occurred one day after a wolf died of natural causes at the zoo in northwest Indiana, according to the Michigan City Police Department and the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department.
Officials said an incident involving other wolves and animal care staff took place following the wolf’s death. They reported that all individuals involved were in stable condition.
According to reports by local media outlets, two zookeepers were attacked by two wolves inside an exhibit at Washington Park Zoo.
One employee, 39, suffered bite wounds to her neck and limbs before escaping the enclosure, according to reports. Responders from the Michigan City Fire Department found her outside the enclosure with severe injuries and multiple bite wounds.
A second zookeeper sustained a bite wound to the forearm while inside the enclosure. Reports said the employee climbed onto the roof of a structure within the exhibit and remained there until firefighters removed the individual using a ladder.
Authorities did not immediately release additional details about how the attack occurred or whether the wolves involved would be relocated or removed from the exhibit.
The zoo remained open Wednesday, but officials closed the main wolf exhibit while staff monitored the animals and continued to assess the incident.
