Tiger Handler Mauled in Rare Incident at Dreamworld Theme Park

A senior tiger handler at Dreamworld, a popular theme park on the Gold Coast in Australia, was hospitalized after being mauled by a tiger during a routine morning interaction on Monday.

The 47-year-old handler suffered serious lacerations and puncture wounds to her arm, but her condition is stable, thanks to the swift first aid response at the scene.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island, a unique exhibit featuring Sumatran and Bengal tigers.

Dreamworld’s management expressed deep concern for the handler’s well-being, emphasizing that this was an isolated and rare event. A thorough review is being conducted to understand how the situation unfolded.

Tiger Island, known for its twice-daily tiger presentations, has been a key attraction for nearly 30 years, drawing visitors eager to witness the tigers’ power and grace.

However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers involved in close interactions with wild animals, even under the supervision of experienced professionals.

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred at an Australian wildlife facility. Previous maulings at both Dreamworld and Australia Zoo have raised questions about the safety of close encounters with captive wild animals.

While some experts argue that well-managed captive environments can contribute to Conservation and public education, others, including animal welfare advocates, caution against the risks involved in using wild animals for entertainment.

This article by Trinity Sparke  was first published by One Green Planet on 4 September 2024. Image Credit :AshishKumarPhotography/Shutterstock.

What you can do

Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute.