A 19-year-old man was fatally attacked after climbing more than 18 feet into a lioness enclosure at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara in João Pessoa, Brazil.

The victim, identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, entered the restricted area on Sunday morning. According to reports, he scaled the side structure of the enclosure and lowered himself inside by sliding down a tree. A video of the incident shows the lioness launching toward him as he descended. Machado attempted to flee but was quickly pulled to the ground and mauled.

Zoo officials announced that the facility will remain closed until investigations and formal procedures are completed. They also confirmed that the lioness will not be euthanized, stating that the animal is healthy, has no prior record of aggression, and reacted instinctively to an intrusion. The lioness will continue to be monitored due to the high stress caused by the incident.

According to child welfare counselor Verônica Oliveira, Machado had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been institutionalized multiple times. She added that he dreamed of working with lions on safari in Africa and had previously attempted to hide inside the landing gear of an airplane in hopes of reaching the continent.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.