Woman rushed to hospital after lion tears off her arm at Darling Downs Zoo
It is understood she is in a stable condition, but sustained 'significant arm injuries', indicating the big cat took off her arm.
Early reports indicate the woman was a staff member at the zoo.
Emergency services were called at 8.23am, before the zoo officially opened, on Sunday and paramedics flew the woman to hospital.
A LifeFlight helicopter arrived close to the scene about 8.40am and transported the woman to Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital.
In a short Facebook post, the zoo said it will be closed 'all day' on Sunday due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
A Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokesperson said WHSQ inspectors were onsite and making inquiries.
The zoo has rare white lions and tawny lions, as well as two cubs.
Visitors can have a close-up encounter with the big cats, including tigers and leopards for $150.
A specially trained keeper accompanies visitors for a 15-minute window of 'Big Cat time' to learn more about the animals and to have an opportunity to feed them.
On social media, the zoo promoted the supervised encounters with its lionesses.
'These encounters are strictly monitored to ensure their enjoyment of them and their wellbeing,' the zoo wrote.
'Every cent of the money that they raise goes into a fund to build an expanded multi pride lion complex to cater for the needs of our enlarged lion family.'
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