A 19-year-old was killed by a lioness after he climbed into the large cat’s enclosure at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara in João Pessoa, Brazil. The zoo’s barrier stood about 18 feet high, yet Gerson de Melo Machado managed to scale it on Sunday morning before he was fatally attacked.
According to reports, Machado climbed the side of the structure surrounding the lioness’ enclosure, then lowered himself inside by sliding down a tree. A video shared online captured him making his way down when the lioness suddenly moved toward him. As soon as he was near the ground, the lioness jumped up and dragged him off the tree. Visitors who witnessed the situation were left shocked as he struggled to get away before the animal pounced on and pulled him to the ground again.
Following the incident, the zoo closed and shared that it would remain so while authorities carry out investigations and complete official procedures.
In an update shared on Instagram, the zoo also confirmed that the lioness involved would *not* be euthanised. Officials explained that the large cat is healthy and noted that the tragedy marks her first time showing aggression toward someone. They added that she will continue to be monitored closely, especially given the stress she experienced during and after the encounter.
The lioness, identified as Leona, is currently under evaluation as part of the zoo’s standard post-incident measures. The facility emphasised that the goal is to ensure her well-being while also supporting the ongoing investigation.
More information about Machado’s background later emerged through his child welfare counsellor, Verônica Oliveira, who spoke with Brazilian media. She shared that he has been battling schizophrenia for some time. He had been institutionalised multiple times. According to Oliveira, he often spoke about wanting to tame lions on an African safari and once attempted to hide in the landing gear of an aeroplane in hopes of being taken there.
