19-Year-Old Man Killed by Lioness at Zoo Had Previously Tried to Sneak into Africa to Tame Big Cats

On Sunday, November 30, 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado tragically lost his life after entering a lionesss enclosure at Parque Zoobotnico Arruda Cmara in Joo Pessoa, Paraba. The young man climbed over a 20-foot wall, evading zoo security, before being mauled in front of other visitors, local outlets O Correio Brazilense, O Globo, and Folha de So Paulo reported.

The zoo, home to hundreds of species, confirmed the incident on Instagram, stating that the park was immediately closed and authorities were mobilized to handle the investigation. The park is cooperating fully with the experts and following all safety protocols, the release said. The zoo also emphasized that safety measures at the facility are strict and will remain in place.

According to reports, the security team tried to intervene, but Machado climbed into the enclosure too quickly. The Civil Police forensics team is investigating, including the possibility that his actions may have been intentional. Machado had a history of schizophrenia and had spent time in multiple institutions. His upbringing was marked by severe poverty and a family history of mental health challenges.

Child welfare counselor Vernica Oliveira explained that Machado was the only one of his siblings not adopted after being removed from his mothers custody. He had prior run-ins with the law and was seeking assistance from Oliveira for employment shortly after being released from prison. She described his cognitive abilities as limited, saying, He was 19, but mentally his capacity seemed closer to that of a young child.

Oliveira also noted that Machado had previously attempted to stow away on a flight to Africa to pursue his dream of training lions but was stopped and referred to Child Protective Services. She described his death as the result of systemic neglect and called it a tragic end to a long series of misfortunes.

Following the incident, the zoo shared an update on the lioness, Leona, reassuring the public that she is under continuous monitoring and care. Leona is healthy, does not show aggression outside the incident, and euthanasia was never considered, the zoo said. The team of veterinarians and staff remains dedicated to her well-being and emotional stabilization.

The zoo expressed condolences to Machados family, stating, Arruda Cmara Park extends its deepest sympathies to the family and regrets the loss. We hope they find strength during this difficult time.

Author: Sophia Brooks