General News
11 July, 2025
Lion attack shocks the country
Pilton’s Darling Downs Zoo made national headlines last Sunday following an attack by a lion that saw a woman lose her arm.
In a statement posted on social media later that day, the Zoo said that at approximately 8.30am the woman, aged in her 50s, was watching keepers working in the carnivore precinct.
This was before the Zoo opened to the public at 9am.
“This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years,” the statement said.
“She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals.
“Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it.
“At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public.”
The zoo later confirmed it was a lioness that attacked the woman.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics were quickly called to the scene and a LifeFlight helicopter crew was tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland at 8.40am, landing close to the Zoo.
A LifeFlight critical care doctor and a Queensland QAS flight paramedic worked with local QAS paramedics to treat the patient for a severe arm injury.
She was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition and later underwent surgery.
Acting Sergeant of Clifton Tim Read said Clifton and Allora Police were the lead responding units on the scene, alongside QAS.
“It was the quickest response from the LifeFlight helicopter in all my years of policing,” A/Sgt Read said.
“The victim is still in hospital and will be in hospital for a lengthy period of time but is in good spirits.”
A/Sgt Read said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is taking the lead in investigating the incident.
“The Zoo is working with them to establish how this incident occurred but the full details will not be known until our family member can be interviewed,” the Zoo said.
It said the lioness involved had not been recently cubbed and will definitely not be put down or punished in any way.
As a result of the incident, the Zoo was closed all day on Sunday and on Monday and re-opened on Tuesday with a full program of free photo opportunities, educational talks and paid encounters.
“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 Darling Downs Zoo said in its statement.
Local Member for Maranoa and Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud expressed his sincere condolences to the injured woman.
“This is a horrific incident. It is a tragedy and a shock to not just staff at the Zoo, but the entire community,” Mr Littleproud said.
He said despite the serious nature of the incident, the Darling Downs Zoo is a much-loved animal park that employs locals and helps the economy.
“I encourage locals to continue to visit and enjoy the zoo, which will need support from the community during this difficult time,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I also wish the person involved in the attack all the very best with their recovery and offer support in any small way possible.”
The Darling Downs Zoo was founded over 20 years ago by current owners Steve and Stephanie Robinson.
