A woman in her 50s lost her arm following an attack by a lioness at the Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland on Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred around 8:32 am, has prompted an ongoing investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), but the zoo plans to reopen just two days later.
Queensland’s Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, confirmed the details of the attack, stating, “I got a report this morning, so she has had surgery, and she is recovering well in the PA [Princess Alexandra] hospital. And unfortunately, she has lost her arm.” The woman remains in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
The zoo, located south of Toowoomba, clarified in a Facebook post that the victim was not an employee, keeper, or visitor, but rather a “much-loved member of the zoo owners’ family.” According to the zoo, she was observing keepers in the carnivore precinct, a routine she had followed for over two decades.
Despite the severity of the attack, the zoo assured the public that the lioness involved was neither hungry nor mistreated. “It has still not been possible to interview her to establish what led to this tragic incident,” the zoo stated, adding that the animal would not be euthanized. They emphasized that the lioness did not leave its enclosure, ensuring there was no risk to staff or the public.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is actively investigating the incident. A spokesperson mentioned that several compliance notices have been issued to the zoo to ensure adherence to safety regulations. However, the zoo did not disclose any additional safety measures being implemented before reopening.
In response to the incident, Nationals leader and Queensland MP David Littleproud described it as tragic but expressed confidence in the zoo’s longstanding safety record. “We need to understand and appreciate the circumstances that led to this before we make any judgment and allow that to happen in the right environment,” he said. Littleproud also encouraged community support for the zoo during this challenging time.
Historical Context and Community Impact
This incident is not isolated, as it follows a similar event at Dreamworld, where human interaction with tigers was halted after a handler was attacked in September 2024. Such occurrences have sparked discussions about the safety protocols in place at wildlife facilities across Queensland.
Darling Downs Zoo, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, plays a significant role in the local economy. The community, shocked by the event, is urged to continue supporting the zoo. “As someone that’s a local to that part of the world, it’s shocked much of the community, and it’s a very important economic part of our part of Queensland. So our thoughts are with them and the zoo today,” Littleproud added.
Looking Forward
As the investigation continues, the zoo’s decision to reopen has been met with mixed reactions. The WHSQ has not confirmed whether it has approved the reopening plans, leaving questions about the adequacy of current safety measures.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and public safety, prompting calls for a re-evaluation of interaction policies at zoos. As Darling Downs Zoo prepares to welcome visitors again, the focus remains on ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
