The lioness who killed a man after she invaded the cat enclosure at the Arruda Camara Zoo, known as Pika, in João Pessoa, Paraíba, will not be sacrificed. The institution’s management stated that Leona’s condition is good and she remains under constant surveillance and monitoring, as she has been exposed to a “high level of stress.” Zoo management stressed that the animal did not display aggressive behavior and that euthanasia was never considered.
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“It is important to stress that the possibility of euthanasia was not considered at any time. Leona is healthy, does not show aggressive behavior outside the context of what happened and will not be euthanized. The protocol in such cases provides exactly what is done: observation, behavioral assessment and specialized care,” the park highlighted in a note.
The park added that veterinarians, animal keepers and technicians are “wholeheartedly” committed to Leona’s well-being to ensure she “does well, stabilizes emotionally and resumes her routine safely.”
The Regional Veterinary Medical Council of Paraíba (CRMV-PB) announced that it would form a technical committee to evaluate Parque da Bica, which was closed after the attack. There are no expectations to reopen it to visitors.
The deceased man has been identified as Gerson de Melo Machado, alias Vaquerinho, aged 19 years. He broke into the cat pen on Sunday and died from injuries caused by one of the animals. Cabo Branco Television reported that Vaquerinho suffers from mental disorders.
The Environment Secretariat opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, according to the municipality of the capital, Paraiba. The Regional Veterinary Council said in a statement that the committee “will analyze the structural and operational conditions of the park and dialogue with the municipality of João Pessoa, with the aim of cooperating in the implementation of more stringent and effective preventive measures.” The authority also stated that it would ask the Beka administration and those responsible for the site for “clarifications about the precautionary measures adopted, the safety protocols in place, and any failures that may have contributed to what happened.”
In the memo, CRMV-PB noted that Parque da Bica had already recorded animal thefts in the past, which for the agency “reinforces the urgent need to review its monitoring, access control and management systems.” The main goal is to ensure the safety of residents and the well-being of animals, according to the council.
According to the administration of Parque da Bica and the city of João Pessoa, Vaquerinho “deliberately” invaded the lioness’s enclosure at the zoo. Municipal authorities highlighted that he “quickly and suddenly” climbed a six-meter-high wall and security bars, reached one of the trees in the space and entered the cage. Video clips circulated on social media showed the actions of the man who was attacked by the animal, which led to his death from his wounds.
The city municipality stated, in a statement, that the security teams tried to prevent the man from doing so, but they were unable to do so.
The municipal authority, which stood in solidarity with the family, said: “As soon as the incident was discovered, the park was immediately closed for security measures and to recover the body.”
The city council stressed in a statement that despite the park’s security system, which “meets technical standards,” the “unfortunate incident” occurred because “the man insisted on invading.” Parque da Pica stated on Instagram that he “always follows strict safety standards at his headquarters.”
The zoo administration explained that “the lioness’s area is more than 8 meters high, and reinforced fences and all technical barriers were provided to ensure the protection of animals and visitors. What happened was a completely unexpected incident, outside of any scenario within the zoo’s routine.”
The zoo’s veterinarian, Thiago Neri, confirmed that the lioness was “in shock” at what happened, but obeyed the team’s orders.
– The animal is conditioned, it undergoes training gradually every year, and this training ensures that we can return this animal to its normal condition without using a firearm, without using tranquilizers, or throwing arrows. Then he obeyed, and went into his barn. Obviously there was a delay because the animal was very nervous and also shocked – he said in a video.
According to the zoo, the lioness will be monitored and evaluated in the coming days “as she went through a moment of extreme stress.”
The space added in a second note posted on Instagram: “Bika will remain closed to visitors until the end of investigations and official procedures, while appreciating transparency and commitment to the safety of our visitors, employees, and animals.”