Additional Coverage:
- Lion rips woman’s arm off at zoo in horror mauling while she watches keepers working (irishstar.com)
A veteran zookeeper was seriously injured Sunday in a shocking incident at a Queensland, Australia zoo. The woman, with over two decades of experience working with dangerous animals, was attacked by a lioness at the Darling Downs Zoo, located west of Brisbane.
According to a statement released by the zoo, the keeper was performing routine duties when the lioness unexpectedly grabbed her arm, inflicting severe injuries. The zoo emphasized that the animal never escaped its enclosure and posed no threat to the public or other staff members. They reiterated the keeper’s extensive experience and familiarity with safety protocols, making the attack all the more perplexing.
Following the incident, the injured keeper was airlifted to Princess Alexandria Hospital for surgery and is currently in stable condition.
Local authorities and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. The zoo has confirmed that the lioness will not be euthanized or punished, stating that the animal was not a new mother and that the attack was uncharacteristic.