Big cat bite at Australia’s Darling Downs Zoo leaves Queensland woman significantly injured

A woman in her 50s has been rushed to hospital after sustaining significant injuries from a lion attack at a zoo in Queensland.

Emergency services were called to the Darling Downs Zoo, a popular wildlife park near Toowoomba, about 8.30am on Sunday morning (local time), following reports a woman had been bitten by the big cat.

It is understood the woman, reportedly an employee of the zoo, lost her arm in the attack.

Paramedics flew her to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.

In a brief Facebook post published on Sunday morning, the zoo said it would be “closed all day today” because of “unforeseen circumstances”.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the zoo will be closed all day today.

Posted by Darling Downs Zoo on Saturday 5 July 2025

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors are now on site and making inquiries.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have been notified about an incident at Pilton, near Toowoomba earlier today,” a spokesman told NewsWire.

“WHSQ inspectors are onsite and making inquiries. No further comment can be made at this time.”

The zoo declined to comment on the incident when contacted by NewsWire.

Steve and Stephanie Robinson have owned and operated the zoo for 20 years, which is home to tawny and rare white lions, as well as lion cubs.

Darling Downs Zoo’s Lions 2025 The Darling Downs Zoo’s Managing Director has been keeping African Lions, and managing...

Posted by Darling Downs Zoo on Sunday 22 June 2025

Recently, the zoo promoted supervised encounters with its lionesses on social media.

“Each day at 10am they are on supervised display to our visitors and are also available for some personalised encounters,” the zoo shared.

“These encounters are strictly monitored to ensure their enjoyment of them and their wellbeing.

“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.”