Woman Seriously Injured by Lion at Darling Downs Zoo
A woman in her 50s is recovering in the hospital after being attacked by a lion at Darling Downs Zoo, near Toowoomba, Queensland.
Attack During Zoo Visit
The incident happened on Sunday, July 6, while the woman was in the zoo’s carnivore section. She was not a staff member but was observing zoo operations. The lion grabbed her arm through the fence, causing major injuries.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called immediately. The woman was treated on-site before being airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital. Doctors had to amputate her arm. She remains in stable condition after surgery.
@brisbanetimes A woman has lost an arm after she was attacked by a lion at a zoo in Queensland’s Darling Downs on Sunday morning. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics were called to Darling Downs Zoo, on Baines Road at Pilton, about 35 kilometres south of Toowoomba, at 8.23am. #lion #zoo #queensland #animalattacks ♬ original sound – brisbanetimes
Zoo Confirms Lion Stayed Inside Enclosure
Zoo owners confirmed that the lion never escaped its enclosure. There was no threat to other visitors or staff. The lion will not be put down or punished, as it behaved naturally in its own space.
Safety Investigation Underway
Police and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are investigating how the incident happened. The woman, who had been visiting the zoo for over 20 years, is well known to staff. Full details will be reviewed once she can speak with investigators.
Zoo to Reopen Soon
Darling Downs Zoo, run by Steve and Stephanie Robinson, was temporarily closed after the incident. It is expected to reopen on Tuesday, July 8. The zoo had recently launched supervised lion experiences to help fund a new lion complex.
Public Reaction
The community has shown strong support for the injured woman and the zoo. Many are waiting for more answers as the investigation continues.
