A handler who was mauled by a tiger at Dreamworld today has been identified as Melissa Reynolds.
Experienced trainer Reynolds, 47, was left injured while walking a five-year-old, 180kg tiger alongside another trainer before doors opened at the theme park.
The tiger bit her forearm and scratched her shoulder, which triggered an emergency response about 9am.
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Queensland Ambulance confirmed she was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital with arm injuries following an incident involving a tiger on Dreamworld Parkway.
Reynolds is now in a stable condition and is being treated for multiple lacerations and puncture wounds on her arm.
Acting District Director Justin Payne told media her injuries were treated at the scene by first aid responders at the theme park before being taken to hospital.
“She was quite pale and feeling unwell, but in general well, and was able to be transported to hospital,” Payne said.
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“We believe she was well-trained, and it’s good to see that she was able to be looked after by other support staff there.”
Payne described Reynolds as an “experienced” and “senior” handler at the theme park.
Police were seen arriving on the scene and the park is now open to the public.
The incident is now subject to a thorough review by inspectors from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
A spokesperson for Dreamworld confirmed a trained tiger handler had been injured by a tiger.
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“Dreamworld acknowledges an incident that occurred involving one of the park’s tigers and a trained tiger handler,” the spokesperson told 9News.com.au.
“The handler sustained injuries to their arm and was attended to by Queensland Ambulance Service.
“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.”
Reynolds remains at Gold Coast University Hospital where she is recovering from her injuries.
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