Dreamworld, Russia: A theme park animal handler in Australia sustained injuries to her arm and shoulder following a tiger attack on Monday morning.

The incident occurred at Dreamworld, located near Coomera on Queensland’s Gold Coast, a popular tourist destination that features a wildlife park among its attractions.

The injured handler, in her 40s, was transported to the Gold Coast University Hospital and is currently in stable condition.

The attack happened around 9 am while the handler was working with the tiger. Park officials described the attack as a 'rare and isolated incident.'

A Dreamworld spokesperson commented, 'We acknowledge the incident involving one of our tigers and a trained handler. Our immediate priority is to support the team member. This was an isolated and rare occurrence, and a thorough review will follow.'

September 2, 2024

According to Justin Payne from the Queensland Ambulance Service, first aid staff at the park managed the bleeding 'very well.'

'She appeared quite pale and unwell, but overall she was stable and able to be taken to the hospital,' Payne noted. 'She is one of Dreamworld’s experienced and senior handlers, and it’s reassuring that she received effective care from the park's support staff.'

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island houses nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers. Visitors can view the tigers up close through viewing tunnels or participate in a feeding experience, where those aged 13 and older can feed the tigers with tongs for 15 minutes. Visitors aged 13 to 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult for this activity.

In 2011, a Bengal tiger named Kato bit two handlers at the park.