Two zookeepers were injured after being attacked by wolves when they entered an enclosure to remove a dead member of the pack.
The incident unfolded at Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana, after staff discovered a female timber wolf named Echo had died overnight.
Courtney Studniarz, 39, and Brianna Stantz, 34, entered the habitat on Wednesday morning to remove the 10-year-old wolf’s body, according to a police report obtained by the South Bend Tribune.
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While attempting to move Echo, the two surviving wolves, Koda and Nikos, allegedly became agitated and began attacking Studniarz.
Police said one of the employees used a shovel in an attempt to fend off the animals during the attack.
Other zoo workers managed to pull Studniarz from the enclosure and call emergency services.
Stantz remained inside the habitat with one of the wolves until firefighters lowered a ladder, allowing her to climb to safety, according to the report.
Both women were taken to Franciscan Health hospital for treatment.
Studniarz suffered the more serious injuries, including bite and tear wounds to her left ear and neck, puncture wounds to her arms, legs and buttocks, and multiple lacerations across her body, police said.
Stantz was later released from hospital after being treated for minor injuries to both arms, as reported by Need To Know.
Michigan City Park Department Assistant Superintendent William Walker said Studniarz was in a stable condition.
The attack came after Echo, a 10-year-old timber wolf who had lived at the zoo her entire life, died from a ruptured spleen, according to the mayor’s office.
In a statement, city officials said: “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.”
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch praised the zoo staff following the incident.
She said: “Our zookeepers are dedicated professionals with deep expertise who compassionately care for these animals 365 days a year.
“They arrived that morning to do their jobs and they encountered something no one should have to face.
“This was a traumatic experience for everyone involved.”
The mayor’s office said both wolves were later examined by a licensed veterinarian and found to be healthy.
The exhibit has since reopened to visitors.
Officials said the zoo is conducting a full review of the incident and its habitat entry procedures.
“We have notified all appropriate regulatory agencies and are cooperating fully with their reviews,” the mayor’s office added.
