Man invades lion enclosure and is killed by lion at João Pessoa zoo

A man died after invading a lion enclosure on Sunday (30) at Parque Arruda Câmara, known as Bica, in João Pessoa (PB). The information was confirmed by the Municipal Government of João Pessoa. According to the municipal administration, the man deliberately invaded the lion’s enclosure after climbing the security structures and fences. The lion’s enclosure has a wall of over 6 meters. The victim was attacked by the animal and died from the injuries. The Zoobotanical Park Arruda Câmara was closed for the body removal and investigation by the Department of Environment (Semam). The full statement from the city reads: ‘The Municipality of João Pessoa, through the Department of Environment (Semam), reports that on Sunday morning (30), an unidentified man deliberately invaded the lion’s enclosure at Zoobotanical Park Arruda Câmara (Bica). Quickly and surprisingly, he climbed a wall over 6 meters high, the security fences, accessed a tree, and invaded the enclosure. According to the Civil Police’s investigation, the man may have acted in a possible suicide attempt. Despite security teams attempting to stop the action, the man quickly accessed the enclosure and died from the injuries caused by the animal. Once the incident was confirmed, the park was immediately closed for safety procedures and body removal. Semam has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and is cooperating with the relevant authorities. The Municipality extends its condolences to the victim’s family and clarifies that despite all existing security measures meeting technical standards, the man persisted in the invasion, resulting in this unfortunate episode.’