Fate of two lions who viciously attacked a female zookeeper is finally revealed days after she was rushed to hospital with horrific head injuries
- Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when the male lions pounced on her
- She suffered head and neck injuries so severe she needed a blood transfusion
- The experienced zoo keeper spent days fighting for her life in hospital
- An investigation into the incident was launched by police with SafeWork NSW
Two lions who mauled a zookeeper so viciously she had a blood transfusion will not be euthanised, the zoo's owner says.
Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when the young lions, Ariel and Juda, pounced on her at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday morning.
The experienced zookeeper saw the lions coming for her and asked colleagues for help on a two-way radio, but it was too late - Ms Brown was unconscious by the time they arrived, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Paramedics worked on the victim for two hours before she was airlifted to St George hospital where she spent days fighting for her life with critical lacerations to her face and neck.
Ms Brown (pictured, working with lions) is a dedicated big cat expert at Shoalhaven Zoo
The two lions, brothers Ariel and Juda (pictured), viciously mauled a female zookeeper but will not be put down
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While the zoo's owner Nicholas Schilko confirmed Ms Brown is 'making good progress' in her recovery on Thursday, he added that the attack marked the first time the 18-month-old lions had shown aggression and will not be put down.
'The keepers who went to her aid indicated that the two young lions showed no aggression, but it's tragic that this interaction has resulted in serious lacerations to their keeper,' he said.
'The lions involved in the incident will not be euthanised, and the care and welfare of all the zoo’s animals remains a top priority.'
Mr Schilko confirmed that the zoo launched an investigation to work out how the attack came about.
Jennifer Brown, 35, was cleaning the cage when the lions, Ariel and Juda, attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday
Jennifer Brown (pictured), 35, was cleaning the cage when the lions, Ariel and Juda, attacked her head and neck at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, New South Wales, on Friday
'Jen knows these lions very well and has a history of positive interaction with them,' he said.
An investigation has also been launched by police and SafeWork NSW to determine the circumstances that lead to the attack, with officials looking at why she was alone in the cage.
Ms Brown had been working at the park since 2013 and had previously said she had a special place in her heart for 'big cats'.
The investigation will look at protocols for cleaning cages and procedures in place for dealing with dangerous animals.
The lion attack left Ms Brown in a critical condition with severe head and neck injuries
It will also examine whether two staff members should have been present when Ms Brown was cleaning the enclosure.
NSW Ambulance duty operations manager, Faye Stockmen, said at the time: 'This is one of the worst jobs I have ever experienced - I have never come across a job like this in my career.'
'The attack was extremely vicious and paramedics found the woman with severe injuries.
'It was absolutely harrowing. It is an incredibly dangerous situations, both for the patient and the paramedics,' he said.
Paramedics described the rescue operation as 'the worst they'd experienced' as they arrived at Shoalhaven Zoo (pictured)
Shoalhaven Zoo, which has been closed since late March due to coronavirus restrictions, made an emotional Facebook post thanking emergency services for their support on the day of the attack.
'To all our friends, family and extended zoo family who have sent well wishes and prayers.
'To the emergency services who were involved today we are thankful for your response of skill, compassion and care for Jen and the zoo team.'
Zoo officials also said they were focusing their energy on providing support to Ms Brown.
