Teen With a Child’s Mind Killed by Lion After Climbing Zoo Wall

Tragic Incident at Brazilian Zoo

On Sunday, a teenager, thought to be cognitively impaired, was fatally attacked by a lioness after entering her enclosure without permission.

This unfortunate event occurred at Zobotânico Arruda Câmara Park in João Pessoa, Brazil. A statement released on social media clarified that the boy “deliberately invaded the lioness’s enclosure.”

Following the incident, the zoo immediately implemented safety protocols and closed its doors to the public. They reported that they contacted the relevant authorities and provided assistance for the ongoing investigation and forensic examination.

The zoo also announced: “In our commitment to transparency and the safety of our visitors, employees, and animals, we would like to inform you that Bica will be closed to visitors until the investigation and formal procedures are completed.”

In their statement, the zoo expressed condolences to the boy’s family, conveying their sorrow and support during this challenging time. “Aruda Cámara Park expresses its solidarity with the family of the deceased young man, deeply regrets his loss and wishes them strength during this difficult time,” they said.

The victim was identified as Gelson de Melo Machado, according to local reports. It was noted that he managed to climb over a wall exceeding 19 feet high to access the lioness’s area, even as security personnel were responding to the situation.

Veronica Oliveira, a child welfare consultant who had worked with Gelson since he was 10, shared that he suffered from schizophrenia and had been institutionalized. “Gerson was a child who experienced various violations of rights. He was the son of a mother with schizophrenia, and his grandparents also dealt with mental health issues,” she remarked. “He was 19 years old but had the cognitive ability of a 5-year-old when he spoke.”

Reports indicated that the boy had previously encountered legal issues, including an incident where he threw a cobblestone at a police car. In the days before his tragic death, he had voiced dreams of taming a lion during an African safari. In a bizarre attempt to reach this dream, he even snuck into an airplane’s landing gear, hoping it would take him to Africa before being discovered and returned to child protection services.