A 19-year-old man has died after being mauled by a lioness at a zoo in Brazil, in a tragic incident captured on video by horrified onlookers.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The attack occurred on Sunday at the Arruda Camera Park in Brazil. The victim, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, scaled a 20-foot wall and then slid down a tree to enter the lion enclosure. Eyewitness footage shows the young man descending into the pen as a lioness waited below.
According to his child protection counsellor, Machado had a documented history of mental health issues and lived in extreme poverty. He had previously expressed a childhood ambition to become a lion tamer. Local authorities are investigating the possibility that the act was a suicide attempt.
Aftermath and Zoo's Response
Following the fatal mauling, the zoo has been temporarily closed. In a statement, zoo officials confirmed that the lioness, named Leona, will not be euthanised. They stated she does not display aggressive behaviour outside of this specific, highly unusual context where her territory was breached.
The shocking event has sparked renewed discussions about zoo security protocols and mental health support systems. If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.
