Queensland Zoo Employee Loses Arm in Lion Attack

A woman in her 50s, a long-time and well-experienced employee of Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia, suffered a severe lion attack that resulted in the loss of her arm. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. while she was observing keepers in the carnivore precinct, with the lion inexplicably grabbing her arm without leaving its enclosure. Emergency services promptly airlifted her to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she is currently in stable condition undergoing surgery. The zoo temporarily closed following the attack but plans to reopen soon, emphasizing there was no risk to other staff or visitors. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has launched an investigation into the incident to determine its circumstances. The zoo stated that the lion will not be punished or put down following the incident.