Lion Attack Severely Injures Woman at Queensland Darling Downs Zoo

A woman with over 20 years of experience working with lions was severely mauled by a lioness at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, resulting in the loss of her arm. The attack occurred in a restricted area not open to the public, near a holding pen used by animal keepers, and was not witnessed by staff, who were nearby. The woman, who is a family member of the zoo owners but not an employee, was given first aid by a lion keeper who applied a tourniquet, saving her life. The zoo and authorities are investigating the incident, with the zoo emphasizing that the woman was not inside the enclosure during the attack and that the lion will not be euthanized. Experts have expressed concern over the presence of a non-employee in close proximity to an adult lioness, highlighting standard safety protocols that restrict such contact to registered staff only. The zoo owners, Stephanie and Steve Robinson, who have operated the facility since 2005, remain deeply affected by the incident, which has shocked the local community.