A man with known mental health struggles died Sunday after being attacked by a lion at João Pessoa’s Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park. The victim, identified as Machado, scaled a six-meter wall and entered the habitat of Leona, a 19-year-old lioness, who bit his neck in response.

Machado’s background included poverty, family abandonment, and 16 prior police contacts tied to mental health issues, highlighting systemic gaps in Brazil’s support services. Despite these challenges, authorities confirmed that the zoo itself was not negligent, and Leona was unharmed and placed in quarantine with no plans for euthanasia.

The incident underscores both the dangers of entering animal enclosures and the broader issue of inadequate mental health care. Experts and local authorities stress that better support systems could help prevent such tragedies, while also ensuring public safety in facilities housing wild animals.

The zoo remains closed for investigation, and officials continue to review protocols to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals. The community has responded with concern for both Machado’s vulnerable circumstances and the welfare of Leona, reflecting a tragic intersection of human vulnerability and wildlife safety.