Video Shows Teen Climbing into Zoo Enclosure Seconds Before Fatal Attack

Zoos let visitors get up close with animals they might never see in the wild, all while keeping both people and animals safe behind carefully designed barriers. But sometimes, curiosity overrides caution—and the results can be tragic. That was the case for 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado in Brazil.

A video shared on X shows Machado climbing the fence surrounding the lioness habitat at Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park. Once over the barrier, he makes his way down from a tree and onto the ground, seemingly unaware of the danger. When the lioness, Leona, notices him, the situation quickly turns deadly.

O cara inventou de invadir a jaula do leão, na Bica, em João Pessoa. Não deve ter escapado. pic.twitter.com/Sl2u4w36cA

— Caolho (@CPreparado) November 30, 2025

According to the municipal government of Joao Pessoa, Machado “deliberately invaded the lioness’s enclosure.” The zoo confirmed the incident in an Instagram post, stating that authorities were immediately mobilized to investigate.

“The park follows strict safety standards and is cooperating fully with all responsible authorities,” the zoo said. They emphasized that the lioness was not at fault.

Leona, the lioness, remains unharmed. “Euthanasia was never considered,” the zoo explained. “She is healthy, shows no aggressive behavior outside the context of this incident, and will not be sacrificed. The protocol in situations like this involves monitoring, behavioral evaluation, and specialized care.”

Machado’s background added a layer of tragedy to the incident. Child protection counselor Veronica Oliveira told CBS News that he had gone through extensive institutional care. Some of his family members lived with schizophrenia, though doctors reportedly considered Machado to have behavioral issues.

He had a lifelong fascination with lions and dreamed of working with them professionally. Tragically, that dream will never be realized, and his fatal curiosity serves as a sobering reminder of why safety barriers exist in zoos.