A 19-year-old Brazilian man has died following a fatal encounter with a lioness after entering a restricted animal enclosure at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara in João Pessoa, Brazil.
Authorities say the incident occurred early Sunday morning when Gerson de Melo Machado managed to climb over an approximately 18-foot-high barrier surrounding the lion enclosure. Reports indicate that he scaled the structure and used a tree inside the habitat to lower himself into the area before the attack occurred.
Footage shared online shows Machado descending when the lioness approached. Witnesses at the zoo described scenes of panic as the animal lunged, pulling him from the tree. Despite attempts to escape, the lioness reportedly attacked again, causing fatal injuries before emergency assistance could arrive.
Following the incident, zoo officials closed the facility to the public and announced that it would remain shut while authorities carry out investigations and complete required safety and legal procedures.
In a statement shared on social media, zoo management confirmed that the lioness involved will not be euthanized. Officials said the animal is healthy and had no prior history of aggressive behavior toward humans. They added that she is being closely monitored due to the stress of the incident.
The lioness, identified as Leona, is currently undergoing standard post-incident evaluations as part of zoo protocol. Officials emphasized that ensuring the animal’s welfare remains a priority while investigations continue.
Additional information later emerged regarding Machado’s background. According to Verônica Oliveira, a child welfare counselor who had previously worked with him, Machado had a history of schizophrenia and had received institutional care on multiple occasions. She noted that he had expressed a long-standing fascination with lions and had previously attempted dangerous actions related to those beliefs.
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