An eight-year-old girl was severely injured after being attacked by at least one wild animal inside an enclosure at the Wildpark Johannismühle in Brandenburg, according to statements from the West Regional Police Directorate and the dpa news agency.
Morning Attack Inside the Wildlife Enclosure
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the privately operated wildlife park located roughly 45 kilometers south of Berlin near Baruth/Mark in the Teltow-Fläming district. According to police accounts reported by WELT, the young girl was inside a tiergehege with two other children and a park employee when the attack took place. The other individuals present remained outwardly unhurt during the confrontation.
Following the emergency call, a large contingent of rescue workers deployed to the recreational facility. An emergency rescue helicopter landed directly on the grounds, and a reporter at the scene confirmed that the injured child was flown via the “Christoph 31” rescue helicopter to the Unfallkrankenhaus Marzahn in Berlin, as detailed by Bild. The girl sustained severe injuries to her head during the occurrence.
Did You Know? The Wildpark Johannismühle operates special visitor offerings where guests can participate as zookeepers or visit specific animals away from general crowds, though the park does not officially open to the public until 10:00 a.m.
Ongoing Police Investigation Into the Incident
Authorities have not yet clarified why the children and the employee were inside the enclosure prior to the park’s official opening hours, though police are currently investigating whether the girl was part of a special visitor group.
The Wildpark Johannismühle is home to species including gray wolves and polar wolves. On Wednesday, the facility remained closed to visitors. The park’s homepage posted a simple notice regarding the closure, and a staff member who answered a telephone inquiry stated to Bild that she had information about the closure but was not permitted and did not wish to comment on the reasons behind it.
Support Measures and Operational Response
Emergency responders and shocked zookeepers at the scene are receiving professional care from crisis support and pastoral workers (Seelsorger), according to on-the-ground reports. Local police and investigators continue to question witnesses at the facility to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the severe injuries.
Details of the wildpark attack and child injuries
When did the incident at Wildpark Johannismühle occur?
The attack took place on Wednesday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., prior to the park’s standard opening time of 10:00 a.m.
What injuries did the child sustain and where was she treated?
According to police and media reports, the eight-year-old girl suffered severe head injuries and was transported by the “Christoph 31” rescue helicopter to the Unfallkrankenhaus Marzahn in Berlin.
Which animals are housed at the Brandenburg wildlife park?
The privately run Wildpark Johannismühle, situated about 45 kilometers south of Berlin, houses gray wolves and polar wolves among its animal population.
Related reading