Darling Downs Zoo lion attack: QLD Health officials confirm woman has lost her arm after mauling Matt ShrivellThe NightlyMon, 7 July 2025 11:17AMCommentsComments
Queensland Health officials have confirmed that a woman who was attacked by a lion at a zoo has lost her arm and is in a serious condition in hospital.
The Darling Downs Zoo west of Brisbane has also provided an update after the experienced zoo worker was attacked and mauled by the lion during a routine interaction with the animal early on Sunday morning.
As zookeepers worked inside the area where the lion was housed, the woman in her 50s was assisting in a role that she had performed for over 20 years without incident, according to the owners of the facility near Toowoomba.
“This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years,” a zoo statement said.
“Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it.”
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed that the woman had lost her arm but she was “recovering well” after treatment by emergency services on the scene, before being airlifted to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital for surgery.
Zoo owners Steve and Stephanie Robinson released a statement saying they would provide updates after they spoke to the woman once she had undergone surgery.
“She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals,” the statement said.
The zoo confirmed that the animal will “definitely not be put down or punished in any way”.
“At no stage did this animal leave it’s enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public.”
Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have launched an investigation and the zoo owners are cooperating to try and piece together the reasons why the incident occurred.
“We are extremely grateful to the QAS, QPS and LifeFlight for their prompt attendance and to all of the people and organisations who have rallied round us with messages of support,” the statement added.
Local MP David Littleproud spoke about the shock the community was feeling following the terrifying attack..
“This is a horrific incident,” Mr Littleproud told the ABC.
“It is a tragedy and a shock to not just staff at the zoo, but the entire community.”
Steve and Stephanie Robinson have been breeding and managing big cats for decades but have been trying to sell the zoo for over a year. The Darling Downs Zoo is currently listed for a sale price of $6 million.
The zoo is currently closed and is expected to reopen on Tuesday.
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