The handler who was attacked by a tiger at Dreamworld on Monday has been identified as 47-year-old veteran trainer Melissa Reynolds.
Reynolds has been working with the tigers at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast for over 12 years and has appeared in multiple publicity opportunities for the park, including an appearance on The Today Show in 2012.
Reynolds and another employee were reportedly walking a five-year-old, 180kg tiger within the enclosure at around 9am on Monday when the tiger suddenly attacked her, biting and scratching her.
She was left with serious lacerations to her arm and shoulder and was promptly rushed to hospital in a stable condition.
“The patient had received some serious lacerations and puncture wounds from the animal,” Queensland Ambulance Service director Justin Payne said.
“Thankfully, on [the paramedic’s] arrival, the bleeding had been managed very well by first aid providers there at Dreamworld, which was excellent to see. The biggest risk to the injuries Ms Reynolds sustained was the likelihood of her wounds becoming infected.”
On Monday afternoon, Dreamworld released a statement.
“Dreamworld acknowledges an incident that occurred involving one of the park’s tigers and a trained tiger handler,” the statement began.
“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 is currently still being treated at Gold Coast University Hospital where she is recovering from her injuries.
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