01.12.2025 14:20
In Brazil, 19-year-old Gerson Machado lost his life after being attacked by a female lion in front of onlookers. Machado, who attempted to enter a zoo without permission and tried to go to Africa to become a lion trainer, spent a significant portion of his life under state protection.
A young man was killed by a female lion in front of onlookers at a zoo in Brazil. The tragic incident occurred at Arruda Câmara Park in João Pessoa.
19-year-old Gerson Machado was a young man who had previously attempted to enter zoos without permission multiple times due to his obsession with lions, and even tried to go to Africa to become a lion trainer. At one point, Machado attempted to escape to the continent by hiding in an airplane landing gear and had long been known to the police.
Having had a difficult childhood, Machado spent most of his life in state care. He was not accepted into any adoption program due to his mother's schizophrenia, other mental health issues in his family, and deep poverty. Child protection officer Veronica Oliveira, who supported Gerson for eight years, described his dreams and struggles:
"Gerson always wanted to see Africa and be around lions. He told me this many times. Even the security personnel at the airport intervened when they noticed he was hiding in an airplane landing gear one day. That moment a great tragedy was averted."
On the day of the incident, Machado climbed the park's approximately 6-meter-high wall to enter, then descended into the area where the female lion was located by holding onto a tree. As nearby visitors screamed in panic, security personnel tried to intervene, but everything happened within seconds. The female lion attacked as soon as the young man approached the ground.
The zoo veterinarian Thiago Nery stated that the female lion was very stressed and in shock after the incident, but it was ensured that she returned to her cage without the use of tranquilizers.
The municipality announced that the park was completely closed until the investigation was completed, stating:
"Despite security measures, the young man managed to climb the wall and enter the area where the animal was located. The security team tried to intervene, but it developed very quickly. We extend our condolences to his family."
The incident caused a wide stir on social media and in the country. Environmental and animal rights advocate former police chief Matheus Laiola used the following cautionary statements:
"The female lion acted on her natural instincts. The problem starts when people disregard security boundaries. In such incidents, it is always the animal that suffers. Wildlife is not our toy; boundaries must be respected."
The tragic event once again highlighted both the dramatic life story of the young man and the importance of safety rules regarding wild animals.