Zoo speaks out as teenager is mauled to death by lioness after climbing into enclosure

The Brazilian zoo where a teenager was mauled to death by a lioness has released a statement about the incident.

Aged just 19, Gerson de Melo Machado scaled a six-metre wall and safety fence to make his way down a tree into the lion enclosure at the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, according to authorities.

In a statement released by the municipal government of the city of João Pessoa, via CBS, it was revealed that he had 'deliberately invaded the lioness's enclosure', having done so in a 'rapid and surprising manner' on Sunday (30 November).

Onlookers captured the incident on video, with the graphic footage going viral.

The lioness, called Leona, could be seen attacking the teenager as he got closer to the ground, with it being revealed that Machado had a dream of becoming a lion trainer.

Leona the lioness will not be euthanised for her actions (Instagram/parquedabica)

It's reported that Machado had previously tried to make it to Africa as a plane stowaway to fulfil this dream, with police being aware of his past behaviours.

As reported by the Daily Mail, correctional officer Ed Alves claimed that the teen had been arrested 10 times as a minor alone, while also being referred to the Psychosocial Care Centre, which he allegedly escaped from.

Over the weekend, Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park took to social media to send its condolences to the boy's family, saying [translated]: "The Arruda Câmara Zoo (Bica) deeply regrets what happened this Sunday morning, when a man deliberately broke into the lioness' enclosure, resulting in death."

The zoo confirmed that it would be closed 'until the completion of investigations and official procedures', explaining: "We reinforce that the park follows strict technical norms and safety standards, and we are cooperating fully with all responsible authorities in clarifying the facts."

It added: "The Arruda Câmara Park is in solidarity with the family of the boy who passed away, deeply regrets the loss and wishes strength at this difficult time."

The teenager reportedly dreamed of becoming a lion tamer (X)

In a follow-up post, the zoo said that Leona was safe and sound after a 'moment of great stress', though highlighted that 'it is important to reiterate that euthanasia was never considered'.

"Leona is healthy, does not show aggressive behaviour out of the context of the incident and will not be sacrificed," it explained. "The Bica team, veterinarians, handlers, and technicians are fully dedicated to Leona's well-being, ensuring that she recovers, stabilizes emotionally, and resumes her routine safely."

As for Machado, a child protection worker named Verônica Oliveira has since spoken about how he was brought up in extreme poverty with no real family support structure.

According to Oliveira, he suffered from mental health issues and had been in several institutions.

"Gerson is the result of a system that always excluded him; he's been caged for years," she told Correio Braziliense, before adding: "I hope the lesson remains and that the countless Gersons we care for every day have a happier ending. My feeling is one of total powerlessness, and this feeling causes enormous pain in my soul."