An animal rescue organisation is calling for legislative change to protect tigers and handlers working with big cats.

It comes after experienced tiger handler Melissa Reynolds was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday after being bitten by a tiger at Dreamworld theme park.

The 47-year-old is now in a stable condition after being taken to hospital with "serious lacerations and puncture wounds" to her arm and shoulder at 9am on Monday.

Animal handlers were last bitten by tigers at the theme park in two incidents in 2011.

Louise Ward works for animal rescue organisation Four Paws Australia and said its handlers never interacted with or went into cages of the animals.

"Unless it's for a veterinary check or some welfare interaction is required," she said.

The organisation owns and operates sanctuaries around the world.

"[The incident is] just another sad reminder of the dangers where you have captive wild animals, often forced to perform unnatural behaviours that they wouldn't have in their natural environment."

Donna Wilson, who operates the Zambi Wildlife Retreat in Sydney, said that her 20-hectare "wildlife retreat" rescued animals retired from the zoo, circus and entertainment industry.

She has worked with tigers for 29 years and said it was not for everyone.

"In this day and age, experienced handlers are hard to come by and I do worry about those who want to cuddle tigers and have not been trained to do so without being seriously injured or killed," she said.

In a statement, a Dreamworld spokesperson said the incident on Monday was "isolated and rare".

It said it would conduct a review.

Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for regulation of zoos, and animal attractions.

In a statement, Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said: "I am more than happy to engage with any organisation that wishes to advocate for changes to legislation that sits under my purview as minister." 

Worker safety

Dreamworld has advertised its Tiger Island experience as a way for customers to "get mere centimetres away" from tigers and as the only location in Queensland where guests can "tong-feed a tiger".

Ms Ward said when her organisation rescued tigers, they were able to roam around a large area with limited interaction with humans.

She believed that restricting the time handlers spent with tigers would also create a safer work environment for Dreamworld's employees.

"We think it's a risk to the handlers and will cause unnecessary stress to the animals who aren't used to interacting with people," Ms Ward said.

"Their welfare should be a priority."

In a statement, an Australian Workers Union spokesperson said Dreamworld's handlers were "incredibly skilled."

But they called on the theme park to conduct a thorough review into the incident.

"Just because that risk exists, it doesn't mean that incidents like this should be allowed to become acceptable," they said.

"[Dreamworld should] take meaningful action to mitigate this risk going forward."

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating the incident.