A 19-year-old Brazilian teenager who long fantasized about becoming a lion tamer was tragically killed after entering a restricted big-cat enclosure at a zoo in João Pessoa.
Gerson de Melo Machado reportedly scaled a 20-foot wire-topped perimeter fence at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara on Sunday, then descended a tree that led directly into the lionesses’ habitat, according to local outlet O Correio Braziliense.
Shocked visitors looked on as lioness Leona approached the teenager while he attempted to climb down the tree. Video shared on X shows the animal suddenly lunging, pulling Machado behind a wall. He briefly managed to break free and run, but the lioness quickly caught him again.
Machado, who had a documented history of schizophrenia and had spent time in both institutions and prison, had previously attempted another dangerous stunt — sneaking into the landing gear of a plane bound for Africa in pursuit of his dream of working with lions. Authorities intercepted him in time and referred him to child services.
Zoo officials confirmed that Machado did not survive the attack. They also emphasized that Leona would not be euthanized, stressing that she acted according to her nature and bore no responsibility for the incident. In a statement, the zoo said the lioness was evaluated immediately and remains under close observation due to the high stress of the event.
“Leona is healthy, does not display aggression outside the circumstances of the incident, and will not be euthanized,” the statement read. “Protocol in cases like this includes monitoring, behavioral evaluation, and specialized care.”
The facility was closed right after the incident and remained shut on Monday as authorities continued their investigation.