Woman left with significant arm injuries in lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland

The Queensland zoo where a woman suffered significant arm injuries after being attacked by a lion has issued a statement following the horrific incident.

It’s understood a woman in her 50s was attacked at Darling Downs Zoo about 8.30am on Sunday.

She was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital with “significant arm injuries”, Queensland Ambulance Service told 7NEWS.com.au.

It’s understood the woman’s arm may have been completely ripped off by the animal.

The zoo closed following the incident.

In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon it said a member of staff was watching keepers working in the carnivore precinct when an animal “grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it”.

“At no stage did this animal leave it’s enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public,” the zoo said.

According to the statement the woman had observed keepers in the precinct “many, many times over the past 20 years”.

“She is well versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals,” the zoo said.

The animal involved in the incident will not be put down.

The woman is currently undergoing surgery and remains in a stable condition.

“The zoo is working with them to establish how this incident occurred but the full details will not be known until our family member can be interviewed,” Darling Downs Zoo said.

It’s expected to reopen at 9am on Monday.

Workplace Health Safety Queensland (WHSQ) officers attended the zoo on Sunday.

“WHSQ Inspectors are onsite and making inquiries,” it told 7NEWS.com.au.

“No further comment can be made at this time.”

The regional zoo is owned by Steve and Stephanie Robinson who began breeding lions in 1997.

The couple tried to sell the zoo in March last year due to Steve’s deteriorating health.

“We are very fussy sellers and are looking for an animal loving family with the business acumen to take the zoo to the next level,” the zoo said at the time.

“The zoo has NOT CLOSED AND WILL NOT CLOSE – no matter what. If it does not sell then we will work on some form of restructuring.”

However only a few months later the couple instead decided to restructure the ownership of the zoo into a trust.

Speaking to Australian Rural and Regional News Steve said they were unable to find the right buyer despite an immense amount of interest.

“There was interest from investment companies but that is not what the zoo is all about,” he said.

A host of new positions at the zoo were advertised to help better manage the workload given Steve’s health and the physical demands of the job.

However in March this year the zoo was again put up for sale for $6 million.

Along with 49ha of the land, included in the listing is a two-bedroom home.

“Imagine waking up every day to the roar of lions, the graceful sway of giraffes, and the laughter of families experiencing the wonder of wildlife,” the listing said.

“Darling Downs Zoo isn’t just a business – it’s a dream brought to life.”