Girl, 8, mauled by wolves during 'zookeeper for a day' experience in Germany

Girl, 8, mauled by wolves during 'zookeeper for a day' experience in Germany An eight-year-old girl has been left with serious injuries after being attacked by wolves during a 'zookeeper for a day' session at Johannismühle Wildlife Park in Baruth, Brandenburg, Germany An eight-year-old girl has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being mauled by wolves during a "zookeeper for a day" experience. The horrifying incident took place this morning (Wednesday), at Johannismühle Wildlife Park in Baruth, Brandenburg, Germany. At the time of the attack, the park had not yet opened its doors to the public, with the incident happening just before the usual 10am opening hours, during an exclusive pre-opening session in which just three children had been booked in to shadow members of staff. According to reports, the girl entered the wolf enclosure alongside two other children and a professional guide. Once inside, wolves reportedly set upon the child, leaving her severely injured before the situation was eventually brought under control. Emergency services were called to the scene and the girl was taken to hospital, where she is said to be in a serious but not currently life-threatening condition. The remaining two children escaped physical injury, but were treated for severe shock, according to Bild. A spokesperson for the West Police Directorate confirmed that officers were alerted at 9.30am. The girl was reportedly airlifted by rescue helicopter to the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin in Marzahn, where she is also said to have sustained severe head injuries. The park has since been closed as investigations get underway. Cordon tape was visible at the entrance, with a sign on the door citing "technical reasons" for the closure. It has been confirmed that the wildlife park will remain closed "until further notice" following the incident, and will only be permitted to reopen once the relevant authority grants approval. Police and the Teltow-Fläming district administration have launched a comprehensive investigation into how and why children were permitted inside an enclosure containing apex predators - and whether critical safety protocols were violated. A park map reveals grey wolves and polar wolves reside there, alongside brown bears and lynx. The park's website also promotes exclusive animal encounters for children, including the line: "Maybe you would like to feed wolves" A local resident from Klasdorf told reporters: "You always felt safe there, even with the children. I can't explain how this could have happened."