Families enjoying a quiet day out at the Arruda Câmara Park in João Pessoa were thrown into chaos when a young man climbed into the lion enclosure and was fatally attacked by a lioness.
Witnesses could do little but watch in horror as events unfolded within seconds.
A Dangerous Obsession With Big Cats
The victim was identified as 19-year-old Gerson Machado, a teenager long known for his fixation with lions and his dream of becoming a trainer.
His fascination often pushed him into reckless behaviour.
Police officers in the city were already familiar with him for previous attempts to get close to big cats—including scaling fences and breaching security in other locations.
A Troubled Life Marked by Instability
Those who had worked with Gerson described a childhood scarred by poverty, instability, and untreated mental health struggles.
Child protection worker Veronica Oliveira, who supported him for eight years, said he grew up without the safety net most children rely on.
His mother suffered from schizophrenia, and relatives also battled similar challenges.
While his siblings were eventually adopted, Gerson remained in care facilities due to his own complex needs.
Dreams of Africa and a Dangerous Plane Stowaway Attempt
Gerson often spoke passionately about travelling to Africa to work with lions.
That dream even led him to a near-fatal moment years earlier, when airport security discovered him hiding inside the landing gear compartment of a plane after cutting through fences.
Staff intervened before the aircraft took off, preventing a catastrophe.
Moments Before the Attack
On the morning of the tragedy, Gerson managed to scale a 20-foot wall, squeeze past protective barriers, and use a tree inside the enclosure to climb down.
Security staff reportedly tried to intervene, but he acted too quickly.
As he neared the ground, the lioness reacted instinctively, and the attack unfolded before he could be rescued.
Emotional Shock on Both Sides of the Fence
Zoo veterinarian Thiago Nery said the lioness was visibly distressed after the incident.
She eventually returned to her holding pen without the use of tranquilizers, but her behaviour showed clear signs of stress and confusion.
Authorities Respond
City officials immediately closed the park and launched an investigation.
Police noted that the circumstances suggested a possible act of self-harm, though they continue to examine all details.
The park, which spans nearly 27 hectares and houses hundreds of animals, will remain shut until the inquiry is complete.
Echoes From a Former Environmental Police Chief
Brazilian politician and former environmental police chief Matheus Laiola commented publicly, emphasising that the lioness behaved exactly as a wild animal would when its space is violated.
He urged people to treat wildlife boundaries seriously to prevent harm not just to themselves—but also to the animals who often pay the highest price.
A Story Filled With Dreams and Heartbreak
For those who knew Gerson, his death is a tragic end to a life shaped by hardship and a longing for connection.
Despite countless warnings and interventions, his dreams of working with lions repeatedly pushed him toward dangerous choices—choices that ultimately cost him his life.
What Comes Next for the Park and the Community?
Officials will determine whether additional security measures are needed before reopening the zoo.
Meanwhile, local residents, zoo staff, and those who helped raise Gerson are left to process a devastating event that could have been prevented, and a life that never had the support it needed.
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