JOÃO PESSOA, Brazil - A 19‑year‑old man was killed Sunday after climbing into a lioness’s enclosure at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park, shocking visitors who witnessed the attack. Authorities identified the victim as Gerson de Melo Machado, and said he scaled a six‑meter wall, crossed security fencing, and slid down a tree to enter the restricted area.

Witnesses captured video showing the lioness, named Leona, resting near the glass viewing area before spotting Machado. She quickly charged, dragging him to the ground as horrified onlookers screamed. The zoo immediately closed following the incident and contacted authorities to begin an investigation.

Officials said Machado “deliberately invaded” the enclosure, bypassing multiple barriers designed to keep visitors safe. The municipa

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