After the Shocking Tiger Attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Another Video Shows the Terrifying Moment a 19-Year-Old Man Climbed Into a Lioness’s Enclosure
A shocking incident in Brazil, where a 19-year-old man was killed after climbing into a lioness’s enclosure, has attracted renewed attention following the tragic tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England.
The incident happened on November 30, 2025, at Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, also known as Bica Zoo, in João Pessoa, Brazil.
The young man, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, climbed over a wall more than six metres high, crossed security barriers and made his way onto a tree inside the lioness’s enclosure.
Videos recorded by visitors showed him slowly climbing down the tree while a lioness named Leona was resting nearby.
As he moved closer to the ground, the animal noticed him and quickly approached the tree. Within moments, the lioness attacked him, leaving visitors watching in shock.
Some people could be heard shouting as they watched the frightening scene unfold.
Despite efforts by security workers to stop him from entering the dangerous area, the young man managed to get inside. He suffered serious injuries and died following the attack.
Following the incident, authorities revealed that Machado had struggled with serious mental health problems.
According to a child protection worker who had known him for several years, the young man had previously spoken about his dream of travelling to Africa to become a lion tamer.
She also revealed that he had once attempted to hide in the landing gear of an aircraft because he wanted to travel to Africa.
Police initially considered whether the incident might have been an act of suicide, but his exact reason for entering the enclosure was not established in the initial reports.
The zoo was immediately closed following the tragedy, allowing authorities to investigate what happened.
Officials also confirmed that the lioness would not be killed because of the attack. The animal was placed under observation by specialists to check its condition.
