Here’s the full press release from ZooMontana:
ZooMontana Wolf Bites Child
Secondary fence crossed, bite not severe
Billings, MT– (October 20, 2014) – A child was bitten by one of two wolves at ZooMontana Sunday afternoon. Although details are still unknown, it is believed the child is 3 years old. It is also unknown how the child was able to scale a secondary fence, giving the child access to the main exhibit fence. Due to the design of the exhibit and its fencing, a person would either have to scale or be lifted over the fence to gain access to the main exhibit.
ZooMontana was not made aware of the bite until later in the afternoon via a phone call from the clinic where the victim was being treated. ZooMontana has been told the wound is not severe and is being treated as a minor dog bite. In accordance with Yellowstone County Animal Control protocol, both ZooMontana wolves will be placed under quarantine for 10 days. Zoo guests will not have access to the wolf habitat during these 10 days, including during the ever popular Boo at the Zoo. ZooMontana director Jeff Ewelt is troubled by this incident. “First and foremost, I want to be sure the child is ok. After this has been established we need to get down to the root of the issue. Was this an unfortunate decision by a guest, or is there something we can do better to ensure the safest measures are in place?” Ewelt added that all appropriate agencies have been contacted to ensure the proper next steps are taken.
About ZooMontana
ZooMontana is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) educational organization committed to the best in animal care, conservation and wildlife education. As Montana’s only Zoological and Botanical Park, ZooMontana is dedicated to wildlife education and conservation. The Zoo is located at 2100 S. Shiloh Rd. in Billings, MT just off the Zoo Drive exit (443) of Interstate 90. Find the Zoo on the web at zoomontana.org and on Facebook. ZooMontana is open every day at 10:00 am.
Ric Carter
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 8:05 AM
I do not like wolves in the least. However, this was a case of pure negligence, if not culpability by the parents.