Darling Downs Zoo reopens, as lion-attack victim recovers after losing arm
The zoo's full program of visitor activities has resumed this morning, however Workplace Health and Safety Queensland continues to investigate the circumstances around Sunday's incident.
The injured woman in her 50s underwent surgery yesterday morning and is recovering in a stable condition in Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed she had lost her arm.
Darling Downs Zoo operators said yesterday afternoon that the woman was a member of the owner's family and not a staff member.
"She is well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals," the zoo wrote in an online post.
Darling Downs Zoo said the woman did not enter the enclosure.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said a number of compliance notices had been issued to the zoo.
Australian zookeeping standards require spatial buffers between big cats and any keepers that enter their enclosures.
Conservation biologist Alex Braczkowski said this gold standard made attacks like Sunday's rare, but it was a reminder of the dangers of working with big cats.
"If this had happened in western Uganda or eastern Kenya it's doubtful whether the victim would have been able to survive, just due to the proximity of medical care."
Darling Downs Zoo said the lioness involved in the attack would not be put down.
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