US EditionMan killed by lioness after scaling 20ft wall to jump into zoo enclosure
The 19-year-old had mental health struggles and a fascination with lions; the zoo remains closed for security reviews after the fatal attack by lioness Leona.
- On Sunday in João Pessoa, a lion killed 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado after he climbed into the Arruda Câmara Zoo Botanical Park enclosure, a video circulated showing the attack.
- Veronica Oliveira, child protection worker, said Machado had a troubled upbringing and needed mental-health support, with acquaintances reporting his long-standing fascination with lions including a stowaway attempt.
- Authorities said he climbed a wall of more than 6 meters and slid down a tree into the enclosure, with similar incidents reported, including a January killing in Uzbekistan.
- The park has been closed pending security reviews at Arruda Câmara Zoo Botanical Park, while Brazil's Environment Secretariat continues its investigation.
- João Pessoa City Hall expressed condolences and said security measures meet technical standards but the man persisted in trespassing, while Matheus Laiola, Brazilian politician, posted `A lioness did exactly what a lioness does` urging respect for wildlife.
111 Articles
111 Articles
Lion Kills Teen in Front of Zoo Visitors
A 19-year-old man was killed after climbing into a lioness' enclosure at a Brazilian zoo on Sunday, in plain view of zoo visitors. Authorities in Joao Pessoa, a coastal city in the country's northeast, said the teenager climbed a 20-foot wall, got past security barriers, and slid down a tree...
Malay Mail
Brazilian teen mauled to death by lioness after climbing into zoo enclosure
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 2 — A Brazilian teenager was mauled to death by a lioness in full view of zoo visitors after scaling a six-meter wall and safety fencing and shimmying down a tree into the enclosure, authorities said.Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, struggled with severe mental health issues and dreamed of being a lion tamer, according to those who knew him.The municipal government of the northeastern coastal city of Joao Pessoa said Machado had “…
HORRIFIC: Man Mauled To Death After Climbing Into Lion Cage
Absolutely horrific story to share with you out of Brazil, where a man climbed over the guard rails, climbed down into a lion cage at a zoo and was horrifically mauled and eaten. On November 30, 2025, 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado, nicknamed “Vaqueirinho,” died after scaling a 6-meter wall and entering a lioness’s enclosure at João Pessoa Zoo in Brazil; the 19-year-old lioness, born in captivity, attacked but did not eat him, and authoriti…
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