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19-Year-Old Fatally Mauled by Lioness After Scaling 20-Foot Wall at Brazilian Zoo

09:11 PM, 12/01/2025
19-Year-Old Fatally Mauled by Lioness After Scaling 20-Foot Wall at Brazilian Zoo

A 19-year-old man, Gerson de Melo Machado, climbed a roughly 20-foot wall and entered a lioness enclosure at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara in João Pessoa on Nov. 30, where he was fatally mauled in front of visitors. Machado had a history of mental illness and childhood hardship, and officials say he moved too quickly for staff to stop. The zoo closed while authorities investigate whether the act was intentional. The lioness, Leona, is under observation and will not be euthanized.

A 19-year-old man, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, was fatally attacked by a lioness after climbing approximately a 20-foot wall and entering the big cat's enclosure at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara in João Pessoa, Paraíba, on Nov. 30. The incident occurred in front of other visitors and prompted an immediate response from park staff and local authorities.

What happened

According to the park, security personnel attempted to stop Machado as he climbed into the enclosure, but he moved too quickly for staff to intervene. The park closed immediately and activated established safety and emergency protocols while authorities and forensic teams began an investigation.

Background on Machado

Local reporting and officials say Machado had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent time in multiple institutions. He grew up in extreme poverty and experienced long-term involvement with child welfare services. A child welfare counselor who knew Machado described him as vulnerable and socially excluded, and said his cognitive and emotional needs had often gone unmet.

"Gerson is the result of a system that always excluded him; he's been caged for years. Today was the culmination of a 'Chronicle of a Death Foretold,'" the counselor said, adding that she feels "total powerlessness" and deep pain over the loss.

Aftermath and animal welfare

The zoo said it will remain closed during the ongoing investigation and emphasized it follows strict safety standards. The lioness involved, known as Leona, was immediately evaluated and remains under continuous observation. Zoo veterinary and care staff said Leona showed signs of stress after the episode but was alive and would not be euthanized; she will continue to receive behavioral assessment and specialized care.

Investigation

Local police and forensic teams are investigating the circumstances, including whether Machado's actions were intentional. Officials have not yet reached a public conclusion about motive.

The park expressed condolences to Machado's family and said it was cooperating with authorities. The case has prompted renewed discussion locally about mental health services, social support systems and public safety at animal facilities.

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