One of the two employees injured in a wolf attack at the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana, was still receiving medical treatment on Friday, city officials said in a statement.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning after Echo, a 10-year-old female timberwolf, died overnight.
According to officials, two zoo employees were injured while responding to the wolf habitat following her death.
“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, “ the city said, in part.
A necropsy conducted by Michigan City Animal Hospital confirmed Echo died of natural causes – and her death didn’t pose a risk to other animals in the habitat.
City officials said law enforcement, firefighters and medical personnel responded to the scene – and both injured employees were taken to an area hospital.
One has since been treated and released, while the other “sustained more significant injuries” and was continuing to receive medical care.
Following the incident, both wolves involved were examined by a veterinarian and determined to be healthy.
Their exhibit remains open to visitors.
According to the city, the zoo is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident and habitat entry procedures and has notified all appropriate regulatory injuries.
