Fatal Incident at Arruda Camara Zoo
A 19 year old man lost his life on Sunday at the Arruda Camara Zoo in Joao Pessoa in northeastern Brazil after climbing over a security barrier and entering a lion enclosure.
According to witnesses the young man identified as Gerson de Melo Massado climbed over the security fence then moved onto a tree inside the restricted area attempting to climb down toward the lions. A lioness noticed his movements and ran toward him.
Before he could reach the ground the lioness rose on her hind legs grabbed him and pulled him behind nearby bushes. The sequence was captured in video footage shared by Brazilian media.
Lion enclosure environment similar to the one involved in the incident
Mental Health Background
Veronica Oliveira a local social services official in Joao Pessoa stated in an Instagram video that she had been monitoring the young man for 8 years. She explained that he faced long term mental health challenges and noted a family history of schizophrenia. Psychiatrists who had evaluated him had previously reported behavioral disorders but not schizophrenia.
It was clear that he faced mental health problems. He should have received treatment Oliveira said.
Zoo Response and Ongoing Investigation
The zoo will remain closed while authorities investigate the incident. In an official statement the management expressed sorrow for what occurred and confirmed that the lioness will not be euthanized since she had shown no aggressive behavior prior to the intrusion into her space.
Alternative Titles
Nineteen Year Old Dies After Entering Lion Enclosure at Brazil Zoo
Lioness Causes Fatal Injury to Young Man at Arruda Camara Zoo
Brazil Zoo Closes for Investigation After Deadly Enclosure Intrusion
