Young Man Dies After Entering a Lion Enclosure
LION ATTACK – A 19-year-old man died in Brazil after he entered a lion’s enclosure at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park in João Pessoa.
Witnesses at the zoo saw the frightening moment, which was later shared on social media. The video showed him climbing down a pole inside the enclosure as a female lion named Leona approached and attacked him. Reports stated that the young man, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, had deliberately climbed a wall more than six meters high, passed through security barriers, and entered the restricted area.
The city government confirmed that he died from severe injuries caused by the animal. Initial findings suggested that his actions may have been a possible suicide attempt, although this is still under investigation. A child protection counselor, Veronica Oliveira, who had worked with him for about eight years, said that his mother and grandparents had a history of schizophrenia. However, state psychiatrists clarified that he had only been diagnosed with a behavioral problem. She added that he required continued treatment and support.
According to people who knew him, he had long dreamed of becoming a lion tamer and had previously taken dangerous risks, including sneaking into an airport and hiding in the landing gear of a plane he believed was going to Africa. Following the incident, zoo officials temporarily closed the park while authorities conducted an investigation. Management released a statement saying that the park follows strict safety protocols and is fully cooperating with investigators to clarify what happened. They also emphasized that Leona would not be euthanized, as she had not displayed aggressive behavior prior to the incident.
The park’s veterinarian, Thiago Nery, defended the zoo’s safety measures, stating that the incident was completely unexpected and outside the facility’s normal operations. The tragedy has raised renewed concerns about mental health awareness, public safety around wild animals, and the importance of respecting strict barriers in places that house dangerous wildlife.
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