- In an Australian theme park, a ferocious tiger attacks a nursing staff member.
A skilled animal handler got mauled by a tiger at the popular Australian amusement park, Dreamworld. The assault left the 47-year-old woman with serious injuries on her arm and shoulder, including deep lacerations and scratches, as reported by Australian news outlet ABC, citing emergency services. She is currently receiving medical attention in the hospital.
As per Justin Payne, a representative from the Queensland Ambulance Service, "She appeared quite pale and showed signs of discomfort, but she was otherwise stable enough to be taken to the hospital."
The motivation behind the tiger's attack remains unidentified
A spokesperson for Dreamworld confirmed the incident, stating, "We can confirm an incident involving one of our tigers and a professionally trained tiger handler." The reason behind the animal's aggressive behavior remains elusive, described as an "isolated and rare incident." A comprehensive inquiry will be initiated to shed light on the situation.
The park, situated in the Gold Coast's tourist district, houses nine Sumatra tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) and Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) within its "Tiger Island" exhibit. Visitors can observe two daily presentations. The website asserts that the tigers serve as representatives for their wild counterparts while efforts are made to safeguard their species, both of which are critically endangered in the wild.
Regrettable occurrence from eight years ago
Established in 1981, Dreamworld is Australia's largest theme park, boasting numerous attractions and shows. In 2016, it gained unwanted attention when four individuals lost their lives in a raft-related mishap. Due to a mechanical fault, they were ejected from their raft. The incident led to the park's temporary closure for several months, and the faulty ride was subsequently dismantled.
Despite being a professionally trained tiger handler, this incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with working closely with these powerful animals. Moreover, it underscores the importance of continuous safety measures and training for all women and men who work in such environments.
