Lion Attack at Australian Zoo Leaves Woman Severely Injured

A woman in her 50s has had her arm amputated after a lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo, a privately-owned facility in rural Queensland, Australia.

The incident occurred Sunday morning while the woman, a longtime associate of the zoo, was observing staff inside the carnivore area before the zoo’s official opening. According to zoo officials, the lion suddenly grabbed the woman’s arm, causing catastrophic injuries.

Emergency services airlifted her from the nearby town of Pilton to a hospital in Brisbane, where she underwent urgent surgery. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls later confirmed that doctors were unable to save her arm. The woman remains hospitalized and is expected to need ongoing treatment.

Though not an employee, the victim had been involved with the zoo for over 20 years and was regarded as “a much-loved member of our family,” the zoo said in a statement. She was considered highly familiar with safety protocols involving dangerous animals.

Zoo representatives clarified that the lion involved in the attack will not be euthanized or punished, adding that the animal had not recently given birth—a circumstance sometimes linked to increased aggression in big cats.

An investigation into how the attack occurred is underway, with workplace safety authorities involved. A full account of the incident is unlikely until the woman is able to speak to investigators.

Darling Downs Zoo, founded in 2004 and spanning 48 hectares, houses a variety of big cats, including lions, tigers, and leopards. The facility has been operated by Steve and Stephanie Robinson for the past twenty years.

Mr. Robinson stated he had not yet spoken with the woman but would share updates after her next surgery.

David Littleproud, a local Member of Parliament, called the incident “horrific” and said it had shocked the wider community.

This marks the first serious lion attack in Australia since 2020, when a zookeeper was critically injured at Shoalhaven Zoo in New South Wales.

Darling Downs Zoo is expected to reopen to the public on Tuesday.