The victim, who had mental disorders, climbed security barriers and was attacked when entering the animal’s space in Arruda Câmara Park, known as Bica
A man died this Sunday afternoon (30) after breaking into a lioness’ enclosure in Arruda Câmara Park, known as Bica, in João Pessoa (PB). The victim was identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, 19 years old. According to João Pessoa City Hall, he climbed a wall of more than 6 meters, passed through the security bars and used a tree as support to access the animal’s restricted area.
Witnesses recorded the scene in videos circulating on social media. In the images, it is possible to see the young man climbing a side structure and, subsequently, being attacked by the lioness shortly after entering the enclosure. He died at the scene due to his injuries. According to initial information, Gerson had mental disorders.
The park was open to the public at the time of the invasion and there was panic among visitors. Security and rescue teams were called immediately, but were unable to prevent the young man’s death. In a statement, João Pessoa City Hall regretted the episode, stated that the park follows technical safety standards and highlighted that the man deliberately entered the restricted area.
The Department of the Environment closed the place to remove the body and begin the investigation. The park will remain closed until investigations are completed. The Military Police and the Paraíba Scientific Police Institute (IPC) were called in and took over the forensic procedures.
Lioness State
The park’s veterinarian, Thiago Nery, reported that the lioness was “very stressed” and “in shock” after the attack. According to him, the animal was contained without the use of tranquilizers thanks to previous training and is already being monitored by a team made up of veterinarians, biologists and zootechnicians. Monitoring should continue for the next few days. The attack and the victim’s death remain under investigation
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