MICHIGAN CITY, IN — The City of Michigan City has released additional details regarding an incident at Washington Park Zoo that left two employees injured while responding to the death of a wolf inside an enclosure.

According to city officials, Echo, a 10-year-old female timber wolf who had spent her entire life at Washington Park Zoo, was found deceased during routine morning rounds on June 3. A necropsy performed by Michigan City Animal Hospital determined Echo died of natural causes due to a ruptured splenic mass.

Officials said that while zoo staff were responding to Echo’s death inside the enclosure, the two surviving wolves, Koda and Nikos, became protective and agitated. During the incident, two zoo employees were injured.

One employee was treated and released from medical care, while the second sustained more serious injuries and remains hospitalized. The city has not released the identities of either employee and is asking the public to respect their privacy.

Michigan City Police, Michigan City Fire Department, and La Porte County EMS responded to the scene, with police officers providing immediate first aid until paramedics arrived. Both employees were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

“Our zookeepers are dedicated professionals with deep expertise who compassionately care for these animals 365 days a year,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “They arrived yesterday morning to do their jobs, and they encountered something no one should have to face. We ask that the public and media honor their privacy and dignity as they heal.”

Zoo officials confirmed that Koda and Nikos were examined by a licensed veterinarian and were found to be healthy. The wolves remain on exhibit and their habitat remains open to visitors.

The city emphasized that Echo’s death was unrelated to the injuries and posed no risk to the other animals in the enclosure.

Washington Park Zoo is conducting a comprehensive review of the incident and its habitat entry procedures. Officials said all appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified, and the zoo is cooperating fully with any reviews.

City leaders also thanked first responders for their quick actions and asked the community to keep the injured employees, as well as the zoo staff and animals, in their thoughts