Overview

• The victim, who had assisted with carnivore care for over 20 years, lost her arm after a lion inside its enclosure grabbed her during a pre-opening observation.
• She was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital, underwent surgery on July 6, and is now in stable condition.
• Investigators will review the zoo’s adherence to Queensland’s workplace safety laws and the effectiveness of its containment protocols.
• Darling Downs Zoo plans to reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 8, as the lion remains confined and will not face euthanasia.
• The attack renews scrutiny of enclosure design and staff training at Australian zoos after a similar lion incident in Sydney in 2020.