A tiger attacked an animal handler at Dreamworld amusement park in Coomera, Queensland, on Monday morning, leaving the woman hospitalized with serious injuries. The 47-year-old experienced handler suffered significant lacerations and puncture wounds to her arm during the incident, which occurred shortly before 9 a.m. local time. Queensland Ambulance Service director Justin Payne reported that park staff quickly managed the bleeding and called for an ambulance. The handler was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital and is currently in stable condition. Payne noted that she appeared pale and unwell upon arrival but is otherwise stable. The attack happened just as Dreamworld, Australia’s largest theme park, was preparing to open to the public. The park is known for its "Tiger Island" exhibit, which houses nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers. The exhibit offers visitors an interactive experience where they can get close to the tigers during feeding times. The park’s website promotes the opportunity to witness the tigers' “might and raw power.” In a statement, Dreamworld described the attack as an “isolated and rare incident” and emphasized their immediate focus on supporting the injured staff member. The park declined to provide details about the tiger involved in the attack or its current status. Past Incidents Tiger attacks in theme parks and zoos are rare but not unheard of. Notable incidents include a 2020 attack at Zurich Zoo and a 2019 attack at a Kansas zoo. Dreamworld has experienced similar issues in the past; in 2011, a Bengal tiger named Keto bit two handlers in separate incidents. Despite the incident, Dreamworld remained open to the public on Monday. An investigation into the attack is underway, and the park continues to operate while prioritizing the welfare of its staff and visitors. (With inputs from AFP, CBS News, CNN)
