A woman in her 50s has been airlifted to hospital with significant injuries after being bitten by a lion at a Queensland zoo.
It’s understood the woman has lost an arm.
In a statement, Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, south of Toowoomba, said she had been attacked while watching keepers working in the carnivore precinct on Sunday morning.
“This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years,” the zoo’s statement read.
“She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals.”
Darling Downs Zoo is home to several species of big cats, (ABC News: Tobi Loftus)
The zoo said the bite happened when an animal “inexplicably” grabbed her by one arm and caused “severe damage” to it.
They said the animal never left its enclosure, and there was no risk “at all” to the staff members or members of the public.
The zoo said the animal involved in the incident had not “recently cubbed” and would “definitely not be put down or punished in any way”.
Emergency services were called to the zoo around 8:30am, where the woman was assessed and subsequently transported to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.
The zoo, which is a two-hour drive from Brisbane, is home to several species of big cats including lions, tigers and leopards.
Investigations underway
Investigations into the incident are ongoing. (ABC News)
A spokesperson from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said their inspectors were onsite and making enquiries.
Darling Downs Zoo said it was working with police and Workplace Health and Safety to establish how the incident occurred.
They said “full details” would not be known until the woman could be interviewed.
“We are extremely grateful to the QAS, QPS and LifeFlight for their prompt attendance and to all of the people and organisations who have rallied round us with messages of support,” they said.
The zoo was closed on Sunday, and will reopen tomorrow at 9am.