Dreamworld tiger attack: Melissa Reynolds identified as handler mauled in terrifying incident

Melissa Reynolds has been identified as the hanger mauled by a tiger at Dreamworld on Monday morning.

Ms Reynolds, 47, was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital after being attacked by a tiger in an enclosure around 9am.

The experienced handler suffered multiple deep lacerations and is now in a stable condition.

Staff immediately administered first aid after the incident to stop bleeding while they waited for paramedics.

Ms Reynolds remains at risk of infection following the bite.

On Tuesday, Sunrise reporter Tamra Bow said: “Melissa Reynolds was in the care of another handler walking that big cat when it attacked, latching on. She’s been left with bite marks to her arm and shoulder.”

The theme park labelled the incident as “rare” despite it not being the first tiger attack at the Gold Coast theme park.

“Dreamworld acknowledges an incident that occurred involving one of the park’s tigers and a trained tiger handler,” a spokesperson said.

“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.”

Queensland Ambulance Service attended the scene and treated the woman for multiple deep lacerations.

A QAS spokesperson said: “Paramedics transported a stable woman to Gold Coast University Hospital with arm injuries following an incident involving a tiger on Dreamworld Parkway at 9am.”

Dreamworld is home to nine tigers.

The park offers a ‘Get up close’ experience where guests can “get so close you could feel the breath of a tiger”.

It also offers a feed experience where guests “can tong feed a tiger”.

Police were not called to the scene and the matter is now subject to a workplace health and safety investigation.