Lion Kills Teen After Entering Zoo Enclosure in Brazil
A tragic incident unfolded at Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, where a 19-year-old man was killed by a lioness after he entered her enclosure. The individual, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, reportedly climbed a six-meter wall and navigated safety barriers before descending into the enclosure.
Details of the Incident
The events occurred on a Sunday amidst zoo visitors. Eyewitnesses captured shocking footage as Machado descended from a tree into the lioness’s space. Visitors expressed horror as the lioness, named Leona, approached him shortly after he entered the enclosure.
Visitor Reactions
- Many visitors gasped and reported seeing Machado being pulled down by Leona.
- Exclamations from the crowd included “It got him” and “My God!” as the attack unfolded.
Authorities confirmed that Machado died from injuries inflicted by the animal. Following the incident, the zoo released a statement declaring the situation “extremely sad” and announced its temporary closure while investigations are underway.
Zoo’s Stance on Safety
The zoo emphasized its commitment to safety protocols, asserting that it adheres to rigorous technical standards. Park veterinarian Thiago Nery noted that the enclosure features over eight meters of protective barriers.
Investigation and Speculations
Initial investigations implied that Machado’s actions could have been a potential suicide attempt. Veronica Oliveira, a child protection counselor who had worked with him, mentioned that he had a complex history. His family members suffered from mental illnesses, which she believed warranted better treatment for Machado.
- Oliveira stated that Machado had dreams of becoming a lion tamer.
- He had previously engaged in risky behavior, once attempting to hide in an aircraft he thought was bound for Africa.
Context of Fatal Zoo Incidents
Fatal attacks involving lions in zoos are exceptionally uncommon. This incident marks the second death linked to lions in zoos within three months. In a separate case in Thailand, a zookeeper was killed after exiting his vehicle at a safari park. Another incident occurred in Crimea last October, where a zookeeper was mauled after a door was inadvertently left unlocked.
Such occurrences raise significant concerns about safety standards and animal management in zoo settings worldwide. The case of Gerson de Melo Machado serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in human-animal interactions in captivity.
