Following the wolf attack on an eight-year-old girl at Wildpark Johannismühle in Baruth/Mark on 28 October 2026, the Wolfcenter Dörverden publicly outlined its safety standards. Operator Frank Faß stressed on 30 October that encounters between people and wolves in Dörverden are safeguarded by physical barriers and clear rules of conduct. Visitors and animals are kept apart by a secure airlock. According to the centre, the airlock is five metres wide and seven and a half metres long, and is surrounded by a fence almost four metres high.
The centre also points to precise rules for special activities in enclosed retreat areas that are not open to day visitors. Wolves can be fed through a fence there; touching them is permitted only if the animals allow it. For such encounters, Wolfcenter recommends clothing that does not attract attention and advises against wearing jewellery, to avoid further stimulating the animals’ playfulness and curiosity. Faß stressed that all activities follow internal safety protocols and involve trained staff only.
The events in Teltow-Fläming districtprompted the debate. After the attack, the injured child was flown to Charité . Police are investigating a member of the wildlife park’s staff on suspicion of negligent bodily harm. The district said visitors were not allowed to enter the enclosure in question. The lower nature conservation authority and veterinary office is involved in reviewing the incident; the district administration announced inspections of the facilities and a review of permits. The investigation is intended to establish whether supervision duties were breached or whether there were organisational or technical shortcomings.
The Dörverden example shows how facilities combine physical security measures with visitor discipline: clear separation using airlocks, defined distancing and feeding rules, and restrictions on clothing and accessories. The aim is to minimise risks where wild animals and people come into contact. It remains unclear whether, and to what extent, lessons from the incident in Baruth/Mark will lead to changes at other parks. The outcome will depend on the inspections and investigations. One thing is clear: the operators concerned have direct responsibility for protecting visitors; the authorities oversee compliance with the rules and can impose stricter conditions.
The guidance from Dörverden is therefore aimed at both facilities and visitors: physical barriers and careful visitor management are two sides of the same safety framework.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).