An experienced animal handler at Dreamworld has been hospitalized after she was bitten by a tiger. The 47-year-old woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition at about 9am with "serious lacerations and puncture wounds" to her arm and shoulder.
Queensland Ambulance Service acting district director Justin Payne said bleeding from the injury was handled "very well" by first aid providers at the theme park.
"She was quite pale and feeling unwell, but in general well and was able to be transported to hospital," he said.
Mr Payne was unable to say how the incident occurred.
"She is one of the experienced and senior handlers there at Dreamworld," he said.
"We believe she was well trained, and it's good to see that she was able to be looked after by other support staff there."
In a statement, a Dreamworld spokesperson acknowledge an incident "involving one of the park's tigers and a trained tiger handler".
"Dreamworld's immediate focus is on the support of the team member," the spokesperson said.
"This was an isolated and rare incident, and we will conduct a thorough review accordingly."
The incident occurred at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. (ABC News)
A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said inspectors had been sent to the Gold Coast theme park and an investigation was underway.
Dreamworld is home to nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers.
Dreamworld's Tiger Island: A Glimpse into the Wild
Dreamworld's Tiger Island, opened almost 30 years ago as one of only two interactive tiger exhibits in the world, is home to Sumatran and Bengal tigers. It hosts twice daily tiger presentations at which guests are invited to be “mesmerized” by the tigers “as [they] glide underwater” and “be amazed by their might and raw power during feeding time”.
Previous Incidents: A Reminder of the Risks
This is not the first time Dreamworld has seen an incident involving tigers. In 2022, the Courier Mail reported that one of Tiger Island’s most senior handlers was injured in an incident.
The risks associated with working with tigers are not unique to Dreamworld. Visitors to Australia Zoo, on the Sunshine Coast, have also witnessed tiger handler maulings. In 2013, a handler sustained a crushed carotid artery, nicked jugular, paralysis to the left larynx and nerve damage to the left eye after being bitten in the neck after a tiger got “over excited”. In 2016 another handler sustained injuries to his wrist and forehead after an incident with a tiger that was “hot and bothered”.
A Focus on Safety and Wellbeing
Dreamworld has been in the spotlight for safety issues in the past. In 2016, the theme park’s Thunder River Rapids Ride malfunctioned, resulting in the deaths of four people. The incident sparked a nationwide debate about safety standards at amusement parks and led to a series of reforms.
Following this recent incident, Dreamworld has emphasized its commitment to the well-being of its staff members and conducting a thorough review to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company is known for its dedication to animal welfare, and this commitment will be crucial as it works to rebuild trust with its visitors and staff.
