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Wolf attack injures girl; park safety review launched

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Police airlifted an eight-year-old girl to hospital after a wolf attacked her at Johannismühle Wildlife Park.
The attack occurred at about 9:30 a.m. on 28 October 2026 before the park opened.
Bild reported the girl suffered severe head injuries during the incident.
The park closed temporarily and plans to reopen on 2 November 2026 while police investigate.

Summary

Teltow-Fläming district announced a comprehensive safety review of the wildlife park after the wolf attack.
The attack happened during an “Animal Keeper Day” program that let children accompany keepers before opening.
A zookeeper’s quick intervention stopped the wolf, preventing injuries to two other girls.
Four people, including three children, received counseling from the emergency pastoral care team.
The veterinary office will conduct an animal welfare inspection of the wolves involved.

History

Germany’s animal-safety regime grew after a 2000 schoolyard dog attack that triggered breed-specific bans, and since 1998 the country has recorded dog-bite deaths at an average of 3.3 per year (2009-2019). The recent Johannismühle Wildlife Park incident, involving a child during a public outreach program, underscores lingering gaps in enclosure standards despite earlier regulatory reforms.

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Germany’s animal-safety regime grew after a 2000 schoolyard dog attack that triggered breed-specific bans, and since 1998 the country has recorded dog-bite deaths at an average of 3.3 per year (2009-2019). The recent Johannismühle Wildlife Park incident, involving a child during a public outreach program, underscores lingering gaps in enclosure standards despite earlier regulatory reforms.

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