A woman in her 50s lost her arm after a lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland, Australia. The incident happened Saturday morning while she was near the carnivore area, observing zookeepers as she had done for years. The lioness reached through the enclosure and grabbed her arm, causing severe injuries.

The victim is not a staff member but a longtime friend of the zoo owners and familiar with safety rules. “At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure,” the zoo stated. She was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital and underwent surgery, but her arm could not be saved.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances, though the woman has not yet been interviewed. Reports say she is the sister of zoo co-owner Stephanie Robinson and has worked alongside the lions for decades.

The zoo confirmed the lioness will not be put down. “It is a lion — not a pet,” they emphasized. Darling Downs Zoo will reopen July 8 as planned and thanked emergency teams and supporters for their swift help and kindness.