Animal handler rushed to hospital after being mauled by huge tiger at theme park

An animal handler has been rushed to hospital after being mauled by a tiger at a theme park in Australia.

A woman in her 40s was taken to hospital after the attack that took place earlier this morning at Dreamworld, a theme park on the Gold Coast.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson said the victim was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital with lacerations to her arm following the mauling.

She is in a stable condition, despite sustaining several deep cuts.

A Dreamworld spokesperson emphasised that this was an “isolated and rare incident”.

They said: “Dreamworld’s immediate focus is on the support of the team member.

“This was an isolated and rare incident and we will conduct a thorough review accordingly.”

Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia, a global animal welfare organisation said thoughts are with the trainer and her family.

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She said: “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.

“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.”

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island offers visitors the opportunity to feed the beasts with tongs for 15 minutes.

They are also invited to get within “mere centimetres” from the tigers via viewing tunnels and large viewing areas that are “so close you could feel their breath”.

Dreamworld’s Tiger Island has nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers.