A woman suffered severe injuries after being attacked by an animal at a zoo in Queensland, Australia, on the morning of July 6.

The accident occurred at about 8.30am, when the woman, who is reportedly in her 50s, was watching keepers working at Darling Downs Zoo.

She was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and is in stable condition, said the zoo at about 4pm.

In a statement on Facebook, the zoo said the woman – “a much loved member of our family” – was watching keepers work at the carnivore precinct.

“This is something that she has done many, many times over the last 20 years,” said the zoo. “She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals.”

The zoo added: “Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it.

“At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public.”

The zoo did not state what animal was involved and said more details would be revealed when they are made available. 

The police and workplace health and safety personnel are investigating the incident, added the zoo.

It later clarified that the woman was not a zookeeper, after several netizens referred to her as such while wishing her a speedy recovery.

It also said that the animal had not recently given birth and will not be put down or punished. 

Earlier in the day, the zoo said it would be closed due to “unforeseen circumstances”. It will reopen on July 8. 

According to its website, Darling Downs Zoo is a “sanctuary for wildlife and a breeding centre for endangered species from around the world”. 

The zoo offers encounters with animals, incl...