Teen mauled to death after climbing into zoo enclosure with dreams of lion taming

A 19-year-old man lost his life Sunday morning after entering a lion enclosure at the Arruda Cmara Zoobotanical Park, also known as Bica, in Joo Pessoa, Paraba, Brazil. The shocking event was captured on video, showing the victim climbing a fence approximately 26 feet high to access the lioness area.

Local reports identified the young man as Gerson de Melo Machado, who had long dreamed of working with lions. Machado had a history of mental health struggles and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The zoo confirmed that he intentionally entered the enclosure, was attacked by the lioness, and succumbed to his injuries.

The zoo issued a statement expressing deep regret: The Arruda Cmara Zoobotanical Park (Bica) mourns the tragic event this Sunday morning, when a man deliberately entered the lioness enclosure, resulting in his death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Witnesses described the terrifying scene, noting that the teenager climbed the tall fence and descended a nearby tree. The lion spotted him, approached the base of the tree, and attacked as he neared the ground. The victim tried to escape, disappearing into the bushes, but was repeatedly attacked by the lioness, with the mauling continuing out of view.

Following the incident, the zoo temporarily closed to allow authorities to secure the area and recover the body. Officials stated that the park will remain closed until all investigations and procedures are finalized.

Machados mother had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and a child welfare counselor who monitored him since childhood reported that he had always aspired to travel to Africa to work with lions. He had even attempted to stow away in an airplanes landing gear to reach the continent.

The zoo emphasized that the lion will not be euthanized, noting that the attack was caused by deliberate trespassing and was entirely unforeseen. The animal is reportedly stressed but shows no abnormal behavior that would justify euthanasia. Leona is healthy, displays no aggression outside this incident, and euthanasia was never considered, the park stated.

Author: Sophia Brooks