Additional Coverage:
A woman was seriously injured at an Australian zoo on Sunday after being bitten by one of the big cats housed there. The incident occurred at the Darling Downs Zoo, located west of Brisbane, while the woman was observing keepers.
According to a statement released by the zoo, the woman was a long-time visitor and familiar with safety protocols. She was reportedly performing a routine task she’d done countless times over the past two decades when the animal reached out of its enclosure and bit her arm.
The zoo emphasized that the animal never escaped its enclosure and at no time was the public in danger. While the specific animal involved remains undisclosed, the zoo is home to lions, tigers, and leopards.
Following the attack, the woman was airlifted to Princess Alexandria Hospital and underwent surgery. She is currently in stable condition.
Local authorities and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are investigating the incident. The zoo stated they are fully cooperating with the investigation, but a complete understanding of the events will depend on interviewing the injured woman.
The zoo confirmed the animal will not be euthanized or punished, stating the incident was inexplicable and not related to any recent births.