19-Year-Old Mauled to Death by Lioness at Brazil Zoo

A 19-year-old man was mauled to death by a lioness at a zoo in northeastern Brazil on Sunday after deliberately scaling barriers to enter her enclosure, authorities reported. The incident occurred at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park, known locally as Bica, in the coastal city of Joao Pessoa, where witnesses captured the fatal attack on video.

Gerson de Melo Machado climbed a six-meter wall, crossed security fencing, and descended a tree into the lioness's habitat, according to municipal officials. Viral footage showed the lioness, named Leona, resting near a viewing area before spotting Machado as he slid down the tree. She charged at him, dragging him to the ground amid screams from onlookers. The video depicted bushes shaking as he briefly stood before vanishing into the undergrowth, where the attack continued out of sight. Officials confirmed Machado died from injuries inflicted by the animal.

The zoo closed immediately after the event, contacting authorities and providing support for the investigation. In a statement, park officials expressed regret, saying the incident was "extremely sad" and that they followed strict safety standards. They emphasized full cooperation...