Photo: M. Suhail / iStock / Getty Images
A woman lost her arm in a lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, on Sunday (July 6). The victim, identified as a sister of the zoo's owner, was observing keepers in the carnivore precinct when the incident occurred. Despite being well-versed in safety protocols, a lioness inexplicably grabbed her arm, causing severe injuries.
Emergency services arrived promptly, and paramedics airlifted the woman to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where she underwent surgery. According to Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls, the woman is recovering well but has unfortunately lost her arm. The zoo confirmed that the lioness involved in the attack will not be euthanized or punished, as it remained in its enclosure and posed no threat to the public or staff.
The zoo, owned by Steve and Stephanie Robinson, has been a popular attraction for over 20 years. It features tawny and rare white lions, and offers supervised encounters with the animals. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is conducting a full investigation into the incident. They have issued compliance notices to ensure the zoo adheres to safety regulations.
The zoo plans to reopen on Tuesday (July 8), and Nationals leader David Littleproud has encouraged locals to support the zoo during this challenging time.