A shocking scene unfolded Wednesday morning at the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City in northwest Indiana as two zoo employees were attacked by wolves inside a zoo enclosure.
The attack began overnight, zoo officials said, after one of the zoo’s wolves passed away due to natural causes. Following the loss, an “incident occurred” involving other wolves and members of the animal care staff.
According to Michigan City police, a 39-year-old zoo employee was attacked by one of the wolves, suffering bite marks to her neck and limbs before she was able to escape.
Two zookeepers are recovering after a wolf attack at a Northwest Indiana zoo on Wednesday. Randy Gyllenhaal has the latest updates.
A second zoo employee, bitten on the arm, was able to climb onto a roof of a building inside the enclosure, police said. Firefighters then rescued the employee using a ladder.
Both zookeepers were transported to nearby hospitals, officials said. They were last listed in stable condition.
“The matter remains under review, and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” the Michigan City Parks and recreation Department said in a statement posted to Facebook.
The statement went on to say that zoo staff, emergency responders veterinary personnel and supporting agencies responded to the incident quickly.
“We are grateful for the coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and care of everyone involved.”
In an unrelated incident, a lemur at the zoo also died overnight due to lung failure, the zoo said.
The zoo will be open to the public Thursday, but the main wolf exhibit will remain closed.
The incident comes after a baby bobcat escaped the zoo in 2024, but was found safe closeby.
No further details were provided.
