Police probe possible negligence after girl, 8, is mauled by a wolf inside its enclosure at a German wildlife park

The eight-year-old girl was inside the wolf enclosure at Johannismühle Wildlife Park before its 10am opening time — accompanied by two other children and a staff member — when at least one wolf attacked her, inflicting severe head injuries. She was airlifted to a specialist trauma clinic in Marzahn, where she is listed in a critical condition; the other three were unharmed.

Police are investigating whether negligence was involved in the girl's presence inside the wolf enclosure before opening hours.

Bild reports she may have been part of a 'zookeeper for a day' experience allowing visitors to feed animals up close.

The park, home to around 500 animals across 50 species including grey and arctic wolves, has been shut and is not expected to reopen until 2 November.