A 19-year-old man died after being attacked by a lioness at a zoo in Brazil on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Gerson de Melo Machado climbed a 66-foot wall at Parque Zoobotanico Arruda Camara in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil, and entered the animal’s enclosure by descending a tree.
The attack happened in front of zoo visitors, who witnessed the lioness, named Leona, approach Machado and pull him from the tree. Video recordings from bystanders show the lioness pouncing on Machado soon after he entered the enclosure. Security personnel attempted to stop him but were unable to do so.
The zoo issued a statement confirming Machado’s death and closed the facility immediately following the incident. Officials stated they adhered to safety protocols and are cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The zoo remains closed to the public while experts investigate the circumstances of the event.
Veronica Oliveira, a child welfare counselor familiar with Machado, provided insight into his background. She noted that Machado had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had experienced multiple institutionalizations. According to Oliveira, Machado’s cognitive development was similar to that of a five-year-old child.
“My feeling is one of total powerlessness, and this feeling causes enormous pain in my soul,” Oliveira stated. She indicated that Machado had been let down by systems designed to protect him.
Machado had a longstanding aspiration to become a lion tamer and travel to Africa to work with the animals. He had previously attempted to stow away in an airplane’s landing gear, believing it was headed to Africa, which led to his referral to child welfare services.
Machado’s family faced both mental health and economic challenges. His mother also had schizophrenia, and the family lived in poverty. A court had ruled that Machado should receive psychiatric treatment, but officials were unable to locate him.
Police are investigating whether Machado’s actions might have been a suicide attempt. Authorities continue to examine his motivations and the events leading up to the attack. Experts note that individuals with severe psychiatric conditions may engage in dangerous behaviors without understanding the consequences.
The zoo stated that Leona will not be euthanized following the incident. The facility emphasized that the lioness is healthy and does not show aggressive tendencies outside this event. Veterinarian Thiago Nery confirmed that Leona is under observation for stress related to the incident.
The zoo’s protocol for such situations involves monitoring, behavioral assessment, and specialized care. “The Bica team, veterinarians, handlers, and technicians are fully dedicated to Leona’s well-being, ensuring that she recovers, stabilizes emotionally, and resumes her routine safely,” the zoo said. Leona was evaluated by the technical team soon after the attack.
Zoo officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining high safety standards and expressed condolences to Machado’s family. The park, home to numerous animal species, assured the public of its cooperation with the investigation.
Animal enclosures in accredited zoos are designed with multiple safety measures, including high walls, reinforced fencing, and monitored perimeters. However, determined individuals can sometimes breach these barriers, as happened in this case.
The incident has sparked discussions about mental health care accessibility and the challenges faced by individuals with severe psychiatric conditions. Oliveira pointed out that various systems failed Machado and hopes his case will lead to improvements for others in similar situations.
The zoo has not announced a reopening date. Officials stated that the closure will remain in effect until investigations are complete, prioritizing safety and transparency for visitors, staff, and animals.