A rare and unsettling event occurred at Dreamworld, a popular Australian theme park, where a trained tiger handler sustained injuries. The woman, in her 40s, was attacked by one of the park’s tigers, resulting in cuts and scratches on her arm. Fortunately, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reports that she is now in stable condition.
The incident took place at around 09:01 local time on Monday (23:01 GMT on Sunday). Medics were quickly dispatched to the scene after the attack. The injured handler was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital, where she is currently receiving care. Despite feeling unwell and appearing pale, she was stable enough to be moved, according to QAS acting district director Justin Payne.
Dreamworld, renowned for its Tiger Island attraction, is home to nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers. The park, which attracts nearly two million visitors annually, boasts one of the few interactive tiger exhibits globally. Tiger Island has been operational for almost 30 years, offering two daily shows where visitors can observe the tigers in action, including underwater gliding and feeding sessions.
Dreamworld has stated that this incident is highly unusual. The company has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the event. A spokesperson emphasized that the immediate focus is on providing support to the affected employee.
Historically, there have been a few incidents involving the tigers. Notably, in 2011, a nine-year-old Bengal tiger named Kato bit two handlers. The company assured that thorough measures will be taken to ensure the safety of both the animals and the staff.
In summary, while this unfortunate event is being addressed with the utmost seriousness, Dreamworld remains committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of its team members and visitors alike.
