Lion bites off zookeeper’s arm

A lion has bitten off the arm a 21-year-old zookeeper at Busch Gardens, Florida, severing it at the elbow.

The woman keeper was escorting her family on a behind-the-scenes tour of the theme park, officials said.

The 12-year-old, 25st lion named Max attacked the woman through a bar-style fence and was never out of its secure area, said Capt Bill Wade of the Tampa Fire Rescue.

The woman, whose name was not released, was flown with the severed limb to Tampa General Hospital by helicopter.

She is said to be in a serious condition, a hospital spokesman said. It was unclear if an attempt would be made to reattach the arm.

Zoo officials said they had not decided what to do with the lion.