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Tiger punctures man's leg at Australia Zoo

A 42-year-old handler has been rushed to hospital after he was bitten by a 10-year-old 130kg tiger at Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

On International Tiger Day, Juma the Sumatran tiger, 'tagged' the handler. Australia Zoo reported via Twitter, using a photo of a tiger cub playing with a ball, that both man and beast were fine.

According to Juma's profile on the zoo's website he "is about as big as they get."

Australia Zoo issued a statement shortly after the incident, saying the attack happened during a routine activity.

"One of our tiger keepers was tagged on the leg by our tiger Juma today during a routine activity," it read.

"When he was being moved from one area to another, the keeper received a tooth puncture wound on his leg.

"First aid protocol was followed, the same as Australia Zoo renders all staff, and the keeper is going to be fine. Juma the tiger is fine as well."

It's not the first time a handler has been attacked by a tiger. In November last year a tiger handler had surgery after being mauled at the zoo during a demonstration.

At the time, the zoo said the Sumatran tiger became over-excited during a play session.

A large crowd of spectators witnessed the tiger turn on 30-year-old Dave Styles, biting into his neck and shoulder.

He was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where he had surgery.

A witness captured the moment this tiger mauled its trainer at Australia Zoo last year.
A witness captured the moment this tiger mauled its trainer at Australia Zoo last year.