SAVAGE ATTACK
Tiger mauls female animal handler at Australia’s Dreamworld theme park in horror attack on the Gold Coast
A nine-year-old Bengal tiger called Kato bit two handlers at the park in 2011
A TIGER handler in Australia was rushed to hospital after she was mauled by one of the beasts at a theme park.
Melissa Reynolds, 47, was attacked while working at Dreamworld on Queensland's Gold Coast.
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The tiger left "serious lacerations and puncture wounds" on her arm as the woman remains in the hospital receiving medical treatment, reports.
Ms Reynolds was walking the five-year-old 185kg tiger alongside another trainer when it bit and scratched her, reports.
The theme park said in a statement: “This was an isolated and rare incident, and we will conduct a thorough review accordingly."
Some two million people visit the Dreamworld park every year.
It is home to nine Sumatran and Bengal tigers.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) rushed to the park at 9am on Monday "following an incident with a tiger".
The woman was immediately taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.
QAS official Justin Payne told ABC "She was quite pale and feeling unwell, but in general well and was able to be transported."
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He added: "She is one of the experienced and senior handlers there at Dreamworld.
"It's good to see that she was able to be looked after by other support staff there."
Kelley Edwards, who represents animal handlers as head of the United Workers Union, said: "We expect Dreamworld to have high standards across the workplace, to make sure that [staff] are adequately looked after when doing their day-to-day role with a dangerous animal.
"If we can minimise where our members are being injured in the workplace, then it is a good idea to go to no-contact."
An investigation has been launched with inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland sent to the park.
Dreamworld is home to a Tiger Island attraction where visitors can get close to the animals.
It opened almost 30 years ago and puts on two shows a day.
Guests are invited to watch the tigers swim in a pool and eat during feeding time.
Local media have reported a series of incidents at the enclosure over the years.
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A nine-year-old Bengal tiger called Kato bit two handlers in 2011.
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