Shoalhaven Zoo: No charges to be laid after keeper Jennifer Brown attacked by lions

A south coast zoo has been investigated after an experienced keeper was attacked by two lions while cleaning their enclosure, leaving her unconscious with horrific injuries to her face and neck.

No charges will be laid against a south coast zoo after a keeper was mauled by two lions in an enclosure last year.

Shoalhaven Zoo trainer Jennifer Brown was flown to hospital in a critical condition last year in May, after she was attacked by two 18-month-old lions while cleaning their cage.

Ms Brown, 35, saw them coming and contacted colleagues by two-way radio but it was too late. She suffered deep lacerations to her face and neck and was found unconscious by a colleague.

Jennifer Brown was working in the enclosure at Shoalhaven Zoo when she was attacked. Picture: Facebook

After the attack, zoo owner Nick Schilko confirmed an immediate internal investigation had been launched in an effort to understand how Ms Brown had been injured and to review its safety and workplace health procedures.

Meantime, SafeWork NSW also launched an investigation. In answers to questions about the outcome of the investigations tabled in parliament by Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst, it was confirmed prosecution would not be brought against the zoo.

“SafeWork NSW and NSW Police were lead agencies in the detailed investigation, as per standard procedure,” parliament heard earlier this month.

Inside the enclosure where the attack happened.

“SafeWork has advised the Department of Primary Industries that their investigation into the incident has concluded, and no further action is required.

“SafeWork NSW determined that no prosecution proceedings would be brought in relation to

this incident.”

The questions revealed SafeWork NSW 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.

In an update on its website, SafeWork provided safety information for zoos and wildlife parks, stating “all carnivorous animals must be removed from their enclosure before anyone goes into that enclosure, due to their potential danger to humans.”

The zookeeper was loaded from an ambulance to helicopter after the attack.

The safety body did however state this rule did not apply in circumstances where the animals weigh less than 20kg, are anaesthetised or restrained or when a trainer enters an enclosure to train or perform with them.

In the days following the attack, Mr Schilko confirmed the two young male lions would not be euthanised.

They still feature heavily on the zoo’s social media pages, while a lion feeding experience with the animals is also still on offer.

It’s unknown whether Ms Brown has returned to, or is still employed by the zoo.