A woman has been found dead inside a commercial kitchen at a popular zoo in Canberra.
Emergency services were called to the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra's west around 12.50pm, following reports of a disturbance.
Police said the woman, 29, was found with stab wounds in the storeroom located at the back of the kitchen.
A 29-year-old man was arrested and transported to hospital with suspected self-inflicted wounds, where he remains under police guard.
Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher said police believe the woman, and the man who was arrested, were coworkers but are investigating whether there was a further relationship between them.
"We know that they were coworkers at the National Zoo and Aquarium, we're uncertain at this time whether there's any further relationship between those coworkers," he said today.
"The deceased died as a result of stab wounds and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in the coming days, but at this stage it looks like she's been stabbed to death with a knife.
"The investigating officers have spoken to the family of the deceased," Hall added.
"Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."
A knife was located at the scene.
This afternoon Acting Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Women Sussan Ley released a statement saying she was "shattered" by the violent death.
"A young woman has been stabbed to death in our nation's capital. A young man is in custody," she said.
"This is yet another horrific tragedy which appears to have happened in a workplace.
"As a woman I am angry, and I am shattered.
"More than 60 women have already been killed by someone they know this year. Enough.
"This is a national crisis. We must stop this violence," the statement read.
Later on Monday, the zoo confirmed it and the wildlife lodge Jamala will be closed on Tuesday "in respect of all those affected directly or indirectly".
"The National Zoo and Aquarium experienced a tragic event on Monday involving staff members," a statement read.
"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.
"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.
"We thank staff and outsiders who have helped our staff deal with this sad event, along with those who have passed on their thoughts."
Earlier, a man working at a separate restaurant within the zoo told 9News that staff were informed of the incident by their manager.
"Police came in, we had a staff meeting and were told to go home," he said.
"It's really shocking... I'm so devastated."
"It's really horrible, it's just so bad," said another female staff member.
O'Meagher said the situation had been contained and police believe there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by forensic officers.
