• Brazilian teen killed after entering lioness enclosure
• Climbed the wall on purpose

A 19-year-old Brazilian teen, Gerson de Melo Machado, lost his life after being attacked by a lioness in front of zoo visitors.

Machado climbed a six-meter wall and safety fencing, then descended a tree into the enclosure, according to authorities.

The coastal city government of João Pessoa said Machado "deliberately entered the lioness's enclosure."

"He climbed a wall over six meters high at a surprising speed, passed the security bars, reached one of the trees, and entered the enclosure," the statement added.

Viral videos of the attack showed the lioness, Leona, lying next to the glass separating her from visitors, who were shocked as she attacked him after he descended from the tree, eventually pulling him to the ground.

The government statement confirmed that Machado "died from injuries caused by the animal."

The zoo’s Instagram account described the incident as "extremely sad," noting the park was temporarily closed for investigation and emphasized its commitment to "technical standards and safety protocols," fully cooperating with authorities.

The zoo added that "euthanasia was never considered" and that the team of vets and trainers is focused on Leona’s emotional and physical well-being to ensure a safe return to her routine.

Zoo veterinarian Thiago Nery confirmed that safety measures around the enclosure, which exceed eight meters, met standards and called the incident "completely unforeseeable and outside any routine scenario."

Initial investigations suggested the teen's actions may have been "a possible suicide attempt."

Child protection counselor Veronica Oliveira said she had monitored Machado for eight years within institutional care, noting that his mother and grandmother suffered from schizophrenia, while state psychiatrists determined that Machado "only had a behavioral problem" and "should have received treatment."