Two Lionesses Rescued From Ukraine Arrive At Scottish ZooFive Sisters Zoo/John Love Photo/Cover Images
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Jeff Dodge
Published 19 minutes ago
Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour.
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After a lioness killed a 19-year-old man at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Arruda Câmara Park) in Brazil, the zoo released a statement providing an update on the current status of the giant cat. Arruda Câmara Park, located in João Pessoa, Paraíba, opened over 100 years ago and houses hundreds of animals, including lions, alligators and elephants.
Tragedy struck Arruda Câmara Park on November 30 when 19-year-old Gerson de Melo Machado scaled a 20-foot barrier and entered the lions' den, resulting in one of the lionesses killing the teenager. The zoo's initial statement acknowledged the death and called it an "extremely sad episode," adding that they send their condolences to Machado's family and friends.
According to People, the security team at Arruda Câmara Park tried to prevent Machado from following through with his successful attempt at entering the enclosure, but the teenager was able to evade them.
The zoo closed down after the incident and won't open back up until the investigation has ended, with the zoo reportedly following required safety protocols, which included notifying the authorities and cooperating with law enforcement.
Arruda Câmara Park also revealed the current status of Leona, the lioness who killed Machado. The zoo said that she is "doing well" and receiving all "necessary care," including constant monitoring and observation.
Zoo officials made it clear that they never considered euthanasia, since Leona does not typically present aggressive behavior and is otherwise healthy. The team of veterinarians, caregivers and technicians at the zoo are ensuring that Leona remains emotionally stable and can resume her normal routine.
It has been reported that Machado was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was admitted to multiple medical facilities in the past. As a child, he committed acts of robbery and was recently released from prison, though it's unclear what crime he committed that caused him to face time behind bars.
According to Verônica Oliveira, a child welfare counselor, Machado's cognitive ability was "no more than that of a 5-year-old."
The counselor spoke with O Correio Brazilense and mentioned that the tragic incident at Arruda Câmara Park wasn't Machado's first attempt at getting close to lions, as he tried to sneak onto the landing gear of an airplane bound for Africa, all so he could tame lions.
As part of its protocol of being transparent, Arruda Câmara Park has provided several social media updates since the incident to keep the public notified on every measure they've taken, including an update on December 1 revealing that Leona is still experiencing a "bit of stress," but the zoo clarified this is normal and, with time, she will be fine.
Aside from ensuring Leona's health is monitored, the hope, according to Oliveira, is that other individuals like Machado are also cared for properly so that another tragedy like the one at Arruda Câmara Park doesn't happen again.
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