Update on woman attacked by tiger
A tiger handler remains in hospital after she was mauled by a 180kg tiger at a Queensland theme park.
Melissa Reynolds. 47, suffered deep lacerations to her arm as well as puncture wounds after reportedly walking a five-year-old tiger around Dreamworld before the park opened on Monday.
Ms Reynolds was rushed to Gold Coast University in a stable condition following the attack.
Queensland Ambulance acting district director Justin Payne on Monday said Ms Reynolds was “pale and feeling unwell”, according to the ABC.
“She was quite pale and feeling unwell, but in general well and was able to be transported to hospital,” Mr Payne said.
“She is one of the experienced and senior handlers there at Dreamworld.
“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.”
A Dreamworld spokesperson confirmed the woman was trained in handling tigers and called it an “isolated and rare incident”.
“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.”
Ms Reynolds will reportedly receive antibiotics in hospital following the attack, according to Today.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island has nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers, with park goers able to book in for “Get Up Close” experiences.
Guests are invited to “get mere centimetres” from the tigers via viewing tunnels and large viewing areas “so close you could feel the breath of a tiger”.
The theme park also offers a feed experience, where guests over the age of 13 can feed tigers with tongs for 15 minutes.
However, guests between the ages of 13 and 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult for the tiger feed experience.
Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, a global animal welfare organisation said thoughts are with the trainer and her family.
“This is another sad reminder that close interactions with wild animals held captive for entertainment purposes can be dangerous for both humans and the animals,” Ms Milthorpe said.
“Tigers are wild animals and should not be trained to perform, be used as photographic props or be handled by visitors.
“We call on the tourism industry to stop promoting close encounters with wild animals.”
