🇧🇷 19-YEAR-OLD DIES AFTER CLIMBING INTO LIONESS HABITAT AT BRAZILIAN ZOO
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 1, 2025
A 19-year-old man died after invading a lioness enclosure at the Arruda Câmara Zoo in João Pessoa yesterday morning.
Zoo officials said the man’s invasion was “sudden,” leaving no time to stop him.… pic.twitter.com/b5cFnv5ycX
On December 1, 2025, in João Pessoa, Brazil, 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado climbed over a 6-meter (20-foot) wall and entered the female lion enclosure at the Arruda Câmara Zoo. He was immediately attacked and killed by the lion in front of horrified visitors. The zoo was temporarily closed for investigation.
Machado had a history of schizophrenia, with similar cases in his family, and had a troubled childhood after being abandoned. He reportedly dreamed of becoming a lion tamer, and mental health issues are believed to have played a major role in the incident.
Public reaction has strongly opposed euthanizing the lion, emphasizing that the animal was acting on instinct in its own territory. The tragic event has sparked widespread discussion about zoo safety measures, the need for better mental health support, and the risks of keeping large predators in captivity. Disturbing footage of the attack circulated online, showing visitors’ panic and screams.
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