Female zookeeper, 35, is fighting for life after being mauled by two LIONS in 'extremely vicious' attack that left her with gaping head and neck wounds - as brave medic describes 'harrowing' scene

• The attack occurred at the Shoalhaven Zoo, in NSW, on Friday at about 10.20am
• Female zookeeper in stable condition after suffering head and neck wounds
• The 35-year-old woman was found unconscious in the lion enclosure  
• Do you know more? Email thomas.duff@mailonline.com

Paramedics have described a 'harrowing' rescue operation after a female zookeepr was mauled by two lions in an 'extremely vicious' attack. 

The 35-year-old was found unconscious in the lion's enclosure at around 10.20am at Shoalhaven Zoo, in North Nowra, NSW. 

She suffered 'severe injuries' to her head and neck and is in a critical but stable condition. 

Speaking to media after the attack Inspector Faye Stockmen, Duty Operations Manager of NSW Ambulance, said the rescue operation was 'incredibly dangerous'. 

'It was absolutely harrowing. It is an incredibly dangerous situations, both for the patient and the paramedics,' she said. 

'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.

'The attack was extremely vicious and paramedics found the woman with severe injuries. 

'We are trained to deal with extreme or unusual situations, however, we do have support services available to us.'

Four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter arrived at the scene and treated the woman before she was airlifted to St George hospital. 

NSW Ambulance said the keeper suffered 'a number of lacerations and bites'.  

Superintendent Greg Moore said emergency crews were called to the scene at about 10.30am on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Moore said police were beginning to investigate how the incident unfolded, South Coast Register reported. 

'Early indications are that a female zoo keeper was tending to some cleaning duties in the enclosure and was set on by two lions in that enclosure,' he told reporters.  

'I take this opportunity to commend the two zoo staff who reacted to the incident and were able to secure the lions and support their colleague.

'I'm advised that the two colleagues, once they secured the lions, assisted the victim and emergency services were able to provide treatment at that point.'  

Daily Mail Australia contacted Shoalhaven Zoo who said they are not commenting on the incident at this time. 

The zoo, about two hours and 20 minutes south of Sydney, is home to four big cats. 

Visitors can pay $80 per person for the 'Lion Feeding Encounter'.

'Come face to face with our Roarsome Foursome and get to feed the 'King of the Savannah',' the website reads.

'Have the experience of a life time getting close to our Big Cats. Feel their power and majesty as you get to feed them with the help of one of our keepers.'

The family-owned zoo has been closed to the public since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.  

A post on the zoo's Facebook page said the family were continuing to live on site while they cared for the animals. 

'While we are closed to the public we as a family will continue to live onsite and have key staff coming in to help us ensure the safety and wellbeing, cleaning and feeding of all our animals,' the post reads. 

'We value our staff and it has been heart wrenching to stand down some staff. Stay safe everyone! 

'Thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you all back at the zoo soon.' 

The Facebook page received comments of support the mauling was reported on Friday.

'My hopes and thoughts are with the lady, her family and staff at Shoalhaven zoo today,' one person wrote.

'Hoping your keeper is okay and the lion does alright too,' another wrote.  

The latest attack comes after another zookeeper was mauled by a crocodile in 2014.  

Trent Burton, aged in his 30s at the time, was grabbed by a 3.7m crocodile, known as John, and dragged him into the water. 

Onlookers were terrified to witness Mr Burton being attacked by the crocodile. 

'I've seen them in the wild, lying on river banks, and have seen them at Steve Irwin's zoo, but never like this,' witness Marlene Orr told The Sydney Morning Herald at the time. 

'It was too scary.'

Mr Burton was able to break free of the crocodile's grasp and escape the water. 

He was treated for non-life threatening injuries to both of his hands and was taken to Shoalhaven District Hospital for treatment.