A shocking video recorded by visitors to the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park in João Pessoa, Brazil, shows the moment a lioness attacks and kills a 19-year-old man who entered her enclosure without permission.
The zoo remains closed while investigations continue, and authorities analyze the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The victim was identified as 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado . According to preliminary reports, he entered the premises of his own volition and did not respond to warnings from those who tried to persuade him to leave.
Authorities are investigating whether the incident was an act of extreme recklessness or if there were indications that it could have been a possible suicide attempt , since he deliberately climbed the barriers designed to prevent access.
The incident occurred on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the zoo known locally as Bica , located in João Pessoa, Paraíba state. According to initial investigations, 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado climbed a wall approximately six meters high, bypassed security fencing, and descended into the lioness’s enclosure.
Witnesses stated that, although several people shouted at him to back down, he continued advancing without showing fear or hesitation.
Videos circulating on social media show the moment Machado slowly descends a tree within the enclosure. Seconds later, the lioness pounces on him, knocks him down, and inflicts fatal injuries.
Zoo staff activated emergency protocols, but were unable to intervene in time. As an immediate measure, the park was evacuated and closed to allow the Military Police and the Paraíba Institute of Forensic Sciences to conduct their investigation, which is still ongoing.
What is known about the video of the lioness that killed a man?
The video quickly went viral on platforms like Instagram , YouTube , and X , due to its strong visual content.
The footage recorded by visitors shows: The moment the young man jumps into the enclosure. The animal’s immediate reaction upon noticing the human presence. The shouts of people trying to stop him from outside, and the attack, which happens in a matter of seconds.
This audiovisual material has generated a wide debate about safety in zoos, physical barriers and human behavior towards wild animals.
The administration of the Arruda Câmara Zoo and Botanical Park confirmed that the lioness will not be euthanized . According to the official report: The animal is under veterinary observation due to the high level of stress she suffered during the incident.
He had not shown any aggressive behavior before the attack. His reaction was considered “expected” as he interpreted the young man’s entry as a threat to his territory.
The zoo clarified that the animal continued to behave in a stable manner after the incident, with no signs of prolonged aggression.
Details of the incident: what the authorities reveal
The lioness’s enclosure was protected by glass and fencing.
The structure is considered safe and meets park standards.
The young man acted alone when he climbed.
Staff activated security protocols, but the intervention was not enough.
The zoo will remain closed until the investigations are completed.
In addition, staff confirmed that the lioness, informally called Leona , will remain in the park under monitoring to ensure her well-being.
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