A shocking incident has occurred at the Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, where a woman lost her arm in a lion attack.
The victim has been identified as the sister of the zoo’s owner, Stephanie Robinson. The attack happened on Sunday morning, and the woman is currently in a stable condition at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The Zoo’s Response to the Incident
The Darling Downs Zoo has confirmed the incident in a social media post, stating that the woman was a “much-loved member of the owner’s family” who had been observing keepers working when the attack occurred.
The zoo has assured that the lion will not be put down following the incident. An investigation is underway, and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors are on site to determine the cause of the attack.
How the Attack Happened
According to the zoo, the woman had been watching keepers work with the lions, an activity she had done many times over the past 20 years.
She is well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals, but inexplicably, one of the lions grabbed her arm and caused severe damage.
The zoo has emphasized that the animal did not leave its enclosure, and there was no risk to staff members or the public.
Support for the Zoo and the Victim
Nationals leader and Maranoa MP David Littleproud has expressed his condolences to the injured woman, calling the attack a “horrific incident” and a “tragedy.”
He has encouraged residents to continue supporting the zoo, which is a “much-loved animal park” in the community. The zoo is home to tawny and rare white lions, as well as lion cubs, and has been owned and operated by Steve and Stephanie Robinson for 20 years.
The Zoo’s Safety Record and Future Plans
The zoo has recently promoted supervised encounters with its lionesses on social media, emphasizing that these encounters are strictly monitored to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both the lions and visitors.
The zoo is also planning to build an expanded multi-pride lion complex, with funds raised from these encounters going towards the project.
The zoo is expected to reopen on Tuesday, and the community is rallying around the victim and the zoo during this difficult time.
A Shocking Incident with a Lucky Outcome
The attack on the woman is a reminder of the risks involved in working with wild animals, even for experienced professionals. Fortunately, the woman is in a stable condition, and the zoo is cooperating fully with the investigation.
As the community comes together to support the zoo and the victim, it’s a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for continued support for our local wildlife parks.