A major homicide investigation is underway after the body of a woman was found at Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium.
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Police said that a 29-year-old woman appeared to have died from stab wounds. Her body was found in the commercial kitchen area.
"It looks like she's been stabbed to death with a knife," Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher said.
A 29-year-old man from Oaks Estate in Canberra was in hospital also suffering from knife wounds. The detective described him as a "suspect". He was being treated at the hospital and under police guard.
Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said the man's wounds were self-inflicted. He said there were no direct witnesses to the incident itself which happened around lunchtime but "loud screams" were heard from the area.
The dead woman was found in a store-room in the kitchen area.
The detective said the two people knew each other as co-workers but it wasn't known if they had any other relationship.
In a statement to members, the national institution said the zoo and Jamala would remain closed on Tuesday "in respect of all those affected directly or indirectly".
"Our thoughts are with the families along with those staff affected in one way or another - all staff have been given access to trauma counselling," the National Zoo said in a statement.
"Tours and encounters will be cancelled for the day and we hope that we will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday.
"We request that visitors and guests recognise the significant trauma that staff have experienced and that they respect their need for privacy on this matter."
Forensic scientists were scouring the area of the death for evidence on Monday.
Police said officers and emergency services responded to reports of a disturbance at the zoo about 12.50pm.
"A person of interest, a 29-year-old man, has been taken into custody and has been transported to hospital under police guard," they said in a statement at the time.
"The zoo has been closed, and police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public at this time."
In mid-afternoon, people were leaving the premises with their cases, presumably from the accommodation block on the site.
Police said they were still investigating the incident and asked anyone with information that could help them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quote 7623644.
More to come
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Kerem Doruk
Kerem Doruk joined the Canberra Times in 2023. He covers local stories in the national capital. You can email story ideas or tips to Kerem at kerem.doruk@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Kerem Doruk joined the Canberra Times in 2023. He covers local stories in the national capital. You can email story ideas or tips to Kerem at kerem.doruk@austcommunitymedia.com.au
