A zoo keeper is having emergency surgery in hospital being "grabbed" by a big cat at a zoo in southern Queensland.Emergency services were called to Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, south of Toowoomba, this morning after the woman was attacked in an enclosure by one of the big cats.
Share this @internewscast.com

Emergency crews responded to an incident at Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, near Toowoomba, at approximately 8:23 am after a woman in her 50s was assaulted by a lion while she was outside its enclosure.

According to a statement from the zoo, the woman was not inside the lion’s enclosure at the time of the attack. The zoo has yet to determine the circumstances that led to this “tragic incident.”

A zoo keeper is having emergency surgery in hospital being "grabbed" by a big cat at a zoo in southern Queensland.Emergency services were called to Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, south of Toowoomba, this morning after the woman was attacked in an enclosure by one of the big cats.
Darling Downs Zoo said it will remain closed todaya and plans to reopen tomorrow. (Nine)

“She has lost her arm. She is not an employee, a keeper or a zoo visitor,” Darling Downs Zoo said in a message shared to Facebook.

“She is a much loved member of the zoo owners’ family.

“She was not in it’s enclosure. It was not hungry, skinny, taunted or tortured – it is a lion.”

The zoo owners said the lion would not be put down and a full investigation had been launched by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

“It comes from a long line of captive born lions in Australia but it is still a lion – not a pet,” the statement continued.

The woman was watching keepers in the enclosure when one of the animals attacked.

“The animal will definitely not be put down or punished in any way,” Darling Downs Zoo said in a message shared to Facebook yesterday evening.

It also said the animal had not recently had cubs.

The zoo confirmed it will remain closed today and plans to reopen tomorrow.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said the attack would have been an “enormous shock” to fellow zoo staff.

He also encouraged locals to continue to attend the much-loved animal park.

A zoo keeper is having emergency surgery in hospital being "grabbed" by a big cat at a zoo in southern Queensland.Emergency services were called to Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton, south of Toowoomba, this morning after the woman was attacked in an enclosure by one of the big cats.
The zoo did not say which animal attacked her. (Nine)

”I express my sincere condolences to the woman involved in the events that unfolded at Darling Downs Zoo,” Littleproud said.

“This is a horrific incident. It is a tragedy and a shock to not just staff at the zoo, but the entire community.”

He added: “I encourage locals to continue to visit and enjoy the zoo, which will need support from the community during this difficult time.”

The zoo said the woman was a longtime member of the zoo “family”.

Woman bitten by animal Darling Downs Zoo
Littleproud said the woman had lost her arm in the incident. (9News)

“This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years,” the zoo said on Facebook.

“She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals.

“Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it.”

9News understands she was saved by the quick actions of an employee who used a belt to tie a tourniquet.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“UN Climate Chief Urges Australia to Seize the Opportunity”

The United Nations’ climate chief has challenged Australia to take more ambitious…
US mother and 8-month-old daughter remain missing after 10 days

U.S. Mother and Her 8-Month-Old Baby Still Missing After 10 Days

Authorities and concerned relatives in California are actively searching for a mother…
Generic scenes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia logo and words, CBA, Banking, office buildings. Monday 13th Janusry 2025 AFR photo Louie Douvis

AI Leads to Several Layoffs at Commonwealth Bank, Execs Confirm

Australia’s biggest bank has cut 45 call centre jobs after rolling out…
Wayne and Carol cruise ship immigration story

Perth Couple’s Dream Vacation Derailed by US Immigration Issue

Exclusive: An Australian couple had to cancel a costly cruise and now…

Trump Claims Severe Hunger Exists in Gaza, Opposing Netanyahu’s Statements

US President Donald Trump has commented on the severe hunger situation in…
Gunman believed dead after police officer, civilians shot in Manhattan

Manhattan Shooting: Suspected Gunman Killed, Police Officer and Civilians Injured

A gunman is suspected to have died after opening fire on a…

The Albanese administration pushes forward with promise to limit prescription costs to $25

The Albanese government says it will introduce legislation this week to cap…
An Aussie with a TAFE IT Advanced Diploma shared the horror of seeing more than 900 people applying for just one entry level role on the job website SEEK

Small Job Ad Detail Reveals Major Issue in Pursuing Entry-Level Positions: ‘I Was Caught in This Pitfall’

Young Australians have expressed their frustration about competing with hundreds of other…
Chloé Höglund , 34, who is originally from New Zealand, has traveled over 8,000 miles across the US by train

My Solo 200-Hour Train Adventure Across America: The Unvarnished Truth

A woman who has traveled over 8,000 miles across the US by…

Cambodia Refutes Thailand’s Accusations of Ceasefire Violation Amid Citizen’s Optimism for Lasting Peace

A shaky ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appeared to be holding Tuesday,…
A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks is being debated.

Sydney Council Discusses Admission Fee for New Year’s Eve Fireworks Event

A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks is…
"Worst of the worst" couple jailed after planning sex attacks on children

“Couple Imprisoned for Plotting Horrific Crimes Against Children”

A Welsh couple, who referred to themselves as ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, have…