A 19-year-old teenager has died after being attacked by a lioness at a zoo in Brazil, following a deliberate breach of the animal's enclosure in front of horrified visitors.
A Fatal Descent into the Lion's Den
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday at Arruda Camera Park, located in north-east Brazil. Gerson de Melo Machado managed to scale a security wall measuring over six metres (20 feet) high before using a tree to climb down into the lion enclosure. Disturbing footage recorded by park visitors shows the lioness, named Leona, pacing below the tree as the young man descended.
Witnesses can be heard shouting in panic as the animal pounced. The zoo's security teams attempted to intervene but were unable to prevent the tragedy due to the speed of Machado's actions. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
A Life Marked by Profound Struggle
Machado's child protection counsellor, Veronica Oliveira, provided heartbreaking context to the young man's actions. She revealed he had dreamed of becoming a lion tamer and had once hidden in the landing gear of an aeroplane in a desperate attempt to reach Africa. Oliveira described a young man with severe cognitive limitations, stating his mental capacity was akin to that of a five-year-old.
"He had immense fragility in his mental health," Oliveira told O Correio Braziliense. "If he had had regular and serious follow-up, we wouldn't be experiencing this today." She attributed the tragedy to systemic failure, explaining that Machado and his family had a history of mental health issues and lived in extreme poverty, with his mother suffering from schizophrenia.
Investigation and Aftermath
Local authorities have confirmed the incident is under investigation and have not ruled out that it may have been a suicide attempt. In an official statement, they detailed how Machado "quickly and surprisingly" bypassed security fences to access the enclosure.
The zoo announced it would remain closed while investigations are completed, extending its condolences to the victim's family. In a significant decision, the park confirmed that the lioness, Leona, will not be euthanised. Officials stated she is healthy and does not exhibit aggressive behaviour outside of this specific incident. The animal is receiving monitoring and specialised care to ensure her emotional recovery.
This devastating event has sparked urgent conversations about zoo security protocols and the support systems for vulnerable individuals with complex mental health needs.
