A woman, Jo Cabban, was severely injured in a lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo in Toowoomba, Queensland. The incident occurred on July 6, at around 8:23 am, while Cabban was standing outside the lion enclosure. Tragically, she lost her arm in the attack and is set to undergo her second surgery today, following an initial operation.
Cabban is closely connected to the zoo, being the sister-in-law of its owner, Steve Robinson. She has been a part of the zoo community for two decades and has served as the zoo’s photographer. On the day of the incident, both Robinson’s wife, Stephanie, and a zoo keeper were nearby and provided immediate first aid. Robinson recounted how Cabban used his wife’s leather belt to create a tourniquet for her injuries, and they swiftly wrapped her in a thermal blanket while awaiting paramedics, who arrived rapidly.
The attack has been noted as a shocking event for the zoo, marking its first incident of this nature since its establishment. Robinson expressed his surprise at the event, explaining that they have raised the lions themselves and have always considered their temperaments to be excellent, allowing for interactions through the enclosure mesh.
The staff at the zoo have been significantly impacted by the incident, which underscores the unpredictable nature of working with wild animals, even in controlled environments.