The Queensland zoo where a woman had her arm ripped off in a horrific lion attack this week is up for sale, and would-be buyers are being tempted with the promise that no-one needs a licence to run it.
Darling Downs Zoo in Pilton near Toowoomba, 130km west of Brisbane, has been listed for sale for the third time in two years at a cut-price $6million, down from its initial price tag of $7million in 2023.
But the real estate advertisement insists: ‘Did you know that anyone can own a zoo? There are no special qualifications or certificates required!’
NSW teacher and zoo photographer Jo Cabban, 46, was mauled by a lioness while she stood next to the cleaning pen on Sunday.
A statement from the family-run business admitted she had sustained life-changing injuries that were ‘too macabre’ to describe in detail.
Zoo co-owner Steve Robinson confirmed the woman, who is his wife Stephanie’s sister, lost an arm in the attack.
She remains in a stable condition after being flown to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Mr Robinson told media his sister-in-law is ‘a lovely lady whose life has been altered’.
NSW teacher and zoo photographer Jo Cabban (pictured) was mauled by a lioness while she stood next to the cleaning pen on Sunday
The attack shocked staff and the local community where the family-owned business has operated since 2005
Darling Downs Zoo, in Pilton near Toowoomba, is listed for $6 million
He said the attack shocked staff and the local community where the family has operated the zoo since 2005.
‘It’s still very raw,’ Mr Robinson, who owns the zoo with his wife and Ms Cabban’s sister Stephanie Robinson, said.
Ms Cabban visited the zoo several times in the school holidays over the past 20 years, acting as a photographer.
The same animal park is being sold as a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ business opportunity, complete with lions, tigers, and exotic monkeys, for anyone willing to take the reins, experience or not.
‘Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary?’ asks the real estate listing.
‘Allow us to take you on a journey in a world where the wonders of nature and the future of conservation meet.
‘Imagine waking up every day to the roar of lions, the graceful sway of giraffes, and the laughter of families experiencing the wonder of wildlife.’
The advert insists owning a zoo isn’t just a business but ‘a dream brought to life’.
Zoo co-owner Steve Robinson confirmed the woman, who is his sister-in-law, lost an arm in the attack and is in a stable condition after being flown to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital
Described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity the property includes 122 acres of land, multiple animal enclosures, a café, and an on-site two bedroom residence
Described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the property includes 122 acres of land, multiple animal enclosures, a café, and an on-site two-bedroom residence.
The sellers are also offering three months of training and support for new owners, plus the current 20-strong staff and all zoo vehicles.
It’s the third time the zoo has gone up for sale in recent years, after first being listed for $7million, before a price drop to $6.5million in 2024, when it was being sold because of the health of one of the directors.
The 2024 sales pitch warned prospective buyers the owners were ‘very fussy’ and would not be in a rush to sell to just anyone, before it was again taken off the market.
It was then put up for sale again in March this year.
Mr Robinson said they attracted lots of interest, however were unable to find the right buyer for them.
‘It was not what we were looking for,’ Mr Robinson said.
‘There was interest from investment companies but that is not what the zoo is all about.’
Mr Robinson said no-one had seen the attack unfold on his sister-in-law until zoo staff heard her screams
The advert explains that owning a zoo isn’t just a business but ‘a dream brought to life.’
Mr Robinson said he wanted to ensure the zoo remains a breeding facility for rare and endangered animals, as well as a family and educational facility that attracts visits from many local schools.
The couple also planned to remain living next door to the property and would continue to play an important role in its future.
‘The zoo is our baby,’ he added.
He said no-one had seen the attack unfold on his sister-in-law until zoo staff heard her screams.
Mr Robinson denied she had been in the lions’ enclosure when the lion tore off her arm, and said he could only imagine the lion had been trying to play.
The attack took place while her Ms Cabban’s sister and the zookeeper were tending the lions about 8.30am on Sunday, 30 minutes before the doors opened for the day.
Mr Robinson also said he was not sure why the attack happened.
‘The best we can come up with, at this stage, is the lion was just playing,’ Mr Robinson said.
Queensland workplace health and safety authorities are investigating the incident
Queensland workplace health and safety authorities are investigating the incident.
Darling Downs Zoo confirmed in a message on Facebook that the lion ‘will definitely not be put down or punished in any way.’
The animal park reopened to the public on Tuesday.
