SafeWork NSW says no charges laid or workplace breaches following Shoalhaven Zoo lion attack

Keeper Jennifer Brown was left fighting for her life with critical head and neck injuries after being attacked at the zoo by two adolescent lion cubs on May 29 last year.

She was airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical but stable condition and underwent months of recovery.

The 35-year-old had been cleaning the enclosure at the time.

In answers to questions tabled by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, SafeWork NSW determined no prosecution would be brought in relation to the incident and there was no breach of Work, Health and Safety regulations.

"The investigation has been finalised and the relevant parties have been notified of the outcome," parliament was told.

SafeWork NSW said it had received notifications in relation to four other incidents that occurred at the Shoalhaven Zoo in the past five years.

"SafeWork responded to each of these incidents, however they did not result in a full investigation or prosecution action," the organisation said.

Shoalhaven Zoo was contacted, but declined to comment.

At the time of the attack, experienced NSW Ambulance Inspector Faye Stockman described the scene as "extremely vicious" and as one of the "worst jobs of her career".

"This is one of the worst jobs I have ever experienced - I have never come across a job like this in my career," she said.

"It was absolutely harrowing. Being the first to walk into the enclosure was one of the most frightening experiences - we literally had to walk into a lion's den."

In response to the incident, SafeWork NSW has also listed a number of safety requirements on its website for people working in a zoo, wildlife park or mobile exhibit, such as a circus, to manage the risks when working with animals.

A number of safety recommendations include ensuring the animal can't escape from its enclosure; gates/doors/slides and other entry devices in enclosure boundaries are secure and safe; and the animal can be safely confined in its main enclosure or holding facility, when access to either section is required.

It also listed that all gates/doors/slides and other entry devices be designed and maintained so the animal can't damage or unfasten the securing device; control mechanisms for gates/doors/slides and other entry mechanisms are in an area where the animal is unable to contact the person operating the controls; and locks used in carnivore enclosures only allow removal of the key once the lock is secured.

It was also recommended animal service areas near carnivore enclosures have appropriate warning signs; a high-pressure water hose or fire extinguisher (CO2 type) for animal control is close to the enclosure; and an emergency plan is in place.

Also included are two separate sections of special requirements when dealing with carnivorous animals in particular.

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