A teen was mauled to death by a lioness after sneaking into the animal’s pen in front of a large number of visitors at a Brazilian zoo.
The victim, named Gerson de Melo Machado, ended up climbing a wall about 20 feet high to break into the big cat’s enclosure at the Parque Zoobotanico Arruda Camara in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. The botanical zoo is said to be home to hundreds of animal species.
Machado’s sudden and shocking death has left many stunned. The confirmation of this incident brought sadness as he was a young man who adored animals and wished to be a zookeeper one day.
The park was immediately shut down after the incident, and all safety protocols were checked before reopening and allowing visitors in again. The teams mobilized the competent authorities and provided the necessary support for this service and the work of the experts.
The park shared its solidarity with the loved ones of the victim who died and expressed deep regret over the matter as they grieve this difficult time.
Sources shared how attempts were made to prevent Machado from climbing into the lioness’ enclosure, but he moved fast. The state’s Civil Police forensics team hasn’t ruled out that his actions might have been suicidal.