Lions that attacked keeper Jenny Brown at Shoalhaven Zoo will live

The owner of Shoalhaven Zoo has broken his silence to confirm the fate of the two juvenile male lions that attacked experienced keeper Jenny Brown leaving her with horrific injuries to her face and neck.

Jennifer Brown was attacked last week. Picture: Facebook.

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The owner of Shoalhaven Zoo has confirmed two young male lions that attacked a highly experienced zookeeper last week will not be euthanised.

Trainer Jennifer Brown was flown to hospital in a critical condition last week, after she was mauled by two 18-month old lions while cleaning their cage last week.

Jennifer Brown. Picture: Facebook.

Ms Brown saw them coming and contacted colleagues by two-way radio but it was too late. She suffered deep lacerations to her face and neck, but on Thursday, owner of the zoo Nick Schilko confirmed she was “making good progress” in her recovery at St George Hospital.

“We’re staying in constant touch with [Ms] Brown and her family, and are enormously relieved to report that she is recovering from lacerations that she received when visiting the lions’ den,” he said.

Mr Schilko confirmed the zoo had launched an immediate investigation after the attack in an effort to understand how Ms Brown had been injured and to review its safety and workplace health procedures.

Ms Brown was flown to hospital after the attack. Picture: 9 News.

There is also an investigation underway by SafeWork NSW and the matter is being considered by the regulatory body, the Department of Primary Industries NSW.

“The zoo is fully assisting the SafeWork investigation to understand all the facts,” Mr Schilko said.

“We have a small and close-knit team at Shoalhaven Zoo and right now our priority is supporting their safety and wellbeing.”

Ms Brown had a close relationship with the lions who attacked her. Picture: supplied.

The lions celebrated their first birthday last year and were “very well known” to Ms Brown.

“[She] has a history of positive interaction with them,” Mr Schilko said.

“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.”

Mr Schilko confirmed the lions involved in the incident will not be euthanised, and that the care and welfare of all the zoo’s animals remained a top priority.