In a shocking event at Darling Downs Zoo, Queensland, a woman who is a family member of the zoo’s owners was attacked by a lioness on July 5. The attack caused severe injury, resulting in the loss of her arm.
The woman was watching the keepers in the carnivore section when the lioness grabbed her arm. The zoo stated she was well-versed in safety protocols and had visited many times before.
The lioness did not leave its enclosure, and no other people were endangered. Emergency services airlifted the woman to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she was stabilized and underwent surgery.
Investigations are underway, and the zoo confirmed the lioness was not mistreated and will not be put down. The zoo expressed gratitude to emergency teams and supporters and plans to reopen with full programs soon.
