Queensland Woman Loses Arm in Verified Darling Downs Zoo Lion Attack

A woman in her 50s lost her arm after being attacked by a lion at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland while observing keepers in a staff-only area. The victim, a relative of the zoo owners and a longtime visitor familiar with safety protocols, was airlifted to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital and remains in stable condition. The zoo owner stated the lion showed no aggression and was likely playing, emphasizing the incident was unprecedented in the zoo's 20-year history and confirming that the lion would not be put down or punished. Efforts to interview the victim to determine the exact cause of the attack have not yet been successful, and the zoo has called for community support during this difficult time. The zoo also reassured the public that the animal never left its enclosure, and there was no risk to other staff or visitors. The attack has deeply affected the victim emotionally, and she is currently heavily medicated for pain.