© ReutersAsiatic black bears
While her parents were looking away, the little girl, who was visiting the area with her parents and young sibling, climbed a three-foot-high fence in the Luenebach zoo in south-western Germany and tumbled into the animal's pen, police said on Thursday.
Though her father quickly climbed after her, the 28-year-old Asiatic black bear had already hit the girl's forehead, injuring her, police said in a statement.
The man succeeded in carrying his daughter to safety, but not before the bear injured his leg, according to police, who did not release the names of the family involved.
Other visitors who were watching the "dramatic situation" called the rescue squad and the girl was flown to a hospital in Trier, police said. The father was also hospitalized, but their wounds were not life-threatening.
Police said they were investigating possible negligence by the parents or the zoo.
The private zoo, which features monkeys, kangaroos, tigers, lions and other wild animals, opened 38 years ago. On its website it says visitors will encounter "animals close up" and will live through "fascinating moments".
He is probably pissed off at being held captive and was just showing it.
He could have killed each of them with one swipe, which he chose not to do.