Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, died on November 30, 2025, after entering the enclosure of Leona, a lioness at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara (Bica) in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. State-government reporting said he climbed a wall, crossed barriers, and used a nearby tree to enter the enclosure. His motive has not been established by the sources reviewed here.
Bica closed temporarily and reopened on December 18, 2025, after reported structural and operational safety measures. In March 2026, a judge archived the criminal inquiry after the prosecutor recommended doing so; reporting on the decision said investigators found no indication of a crime or responsibility by public agents or third parties.
What happened at Bica?
The incident happened on November 30, 2025, at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, known locally as Bica, in João Pessoa, the capital of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil. A report by A União, a Paraíba state-government newspaper, said Machado climbed a wall more than six metres high, crossed containment railings, and used a tree near the enclosure to get into the lioness’s space. The report said park security tried to intervene, but the entry unfolded too quickly for an immediate interception.
The zoo and city characterized the entry as deliberate in their initial account. That characterization does not establish why Machado entered.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- Lightweight Small Binoculars: You can throw them into your backpack each day without hesitation. The mini pocket binoculars are totally worth the tiny amount of weight they add to your pack
- Compact Binoculars Clear vision: 12x25 optics binoculars with a 12X magnification and objective lens diameter of 25 mm, What's more is with the large field of view-126ft/1000 yards, you can see the entire visual field for capturing objects easily
- Easy on Focus: Just adjust by Smooth "center-focus knob" and right eye lens. The folding binoculars suitable for both adults and kids binoculars
- Compact Binoculars with BAK4 prism which can 100% reflect the light to keep a good image (while don't forget to adjust the knobs to fit different view distance), made of Mg body and hand figured polishing
- Application: Perfect for adults, kids, concerts, theater, opera, plays, shows, travel, hiking, camping, sport events, bird watching , etc.. The binoculars come with their own neck strap, cleaning cloth and carrying bag
What is known about the incident?
The reporting establishes that Machado entered Leona’s restricted enclosure and died after the attack. The sources reviewed for this article do not establish further forensic details about his injuries or cause of death, so those details are not included here.
Visitor footage was reported in connection with the incident, but the sources in this research dossier do not verify what any particular video shows. Avoid treating circulating footage as proof of Machado’s motive or state of mind.
Was the lioness euthanized?
The sources reviewed for this article do not directly document an official decision about euthanasia. They therefore do not establish whether Leona was euthanized or provide a verified account of her later condition.
Rank #2
- 【HIGH-POWERED LARGE EYEPIECE BINOCULARS】 This binoculars for adults has 12x magnification, 25mm objective lens and wide field of view, 273ft/1000yds, letting you look farther and see wider. Coating with FMC Broadband coating and premium BAK4 prism, it ensure imaging verisimilar.
- 【ADJUSTABLE EYE CUPS FIT EYEGLASS WEARERS OR NOT】The binocs can be pull down the rubber eyepieces and more fit the glasses wearer, getting close to lens and see easily. The long eye relief combined with large eyepiece give you a comfortable viewing while wearing sunglasses or eye glasses. For those who do not wear glasses, will gain more focused slight and feel more easeful through rising eye cups. The compact binoculars has 15mm large eyepieces, can see more clear image than other travel binoculars.
- 【FMC BROADBAND COATING TECHNOLOGY】The lightweight cruise binoculars is cover with BAK4 prism texture. The objective lens use optical FMC multilayer broadband green film, and the eyepiece-optical is made of blue FMC coating. All design ensure to provide a good image and make you have a amazing experience.
- 【PORTABLE, COMPACT AND SMALL BINOCULARS DESIGN】 One hand can be mastered when you use the birding watching binoculars for opera,bird watching camping, traveling,wildlife watching,football games,cruise or other outside activity, the low light night vision goggles(Not for completely dark night) is more convenient for using and carrying.
- 【LIFE WATERPROOF, COMFORTABLE TOUCH】 The kids binoculars are made of ABS plastic and it also come with a cruise binocular strap, you can use this item in different situations. And rubber armor is made for secure grip.The pocket size binoculars is not only suitable for men and women,but also suitable for kids.It is wonderful to give your Father or Children.
Was Bica found negligent?
According to CNN Brasil’s report on the March 2026 decision, a Paraíba judge archived the inquiry following the prosecutor’s recommendation. The reported decision said the investigation found no indication of a crime or responsibility by third parties or public agents, and that Machado voluntarily entered the restricted enclosure despite warnings.
The full court order and technical inspection report were not reviewed for this article. The reported inquiry outcome should not be expanded into claims about every aspect of enclosure design, safety practice, or possible civil and administrative questions.
What happened to the zoo after the attack?
João Pessoa City Hall said Bica reopened on December 18, 2025, after 17 days closed and after structural and operational safety measures. The city announcement describes the reopening; it should not be taken to mean every possible risk was eliminated.
Rank #3
- 【Glimmer Night Vision】- Low-light night vision allows you to observe at night. You can be in the dark, but the object you wish to observe must have light.
- 【Suitable for Adults and Children】 - Mini compact binoculars are only 5.3 ounces, breaking away from the traditional large construction. They are small enough to fit in a pocket or travel bag. The binoculars come with their own neck strap, cleaning cloth and carrying case. You can use them anywhere, anytime without being tied down.
- 【Wide and Clear Field of View】- Professional Ultra Wide Angle 30*60 Optical Binoculars with 12x magnification, using high quality Bak-4 prisms and optics for truer color reproduction and clearer observation images.126M/1000M large field of view provides maximum image brightness in low light and long distance conditions, allowing you to get amazingly clear details from birdwatching, wildlife, and exploring.
- 【Wide Application】- Compact binoculars are suitable for adults and children, bird watching, hunting, concerts, opera, theater, performances, opera houses, plays, shows, travel, hiking, camping, sporting events. The binoculars are made of high quality material and non-slip design, which ensures the pocket binoculars are durable, non-slip, shockproof and waterproof for outdoor activities.
- 【Sturdy and Non-Slip】- The powerful binoculars body is an aluminum alloy frame with non-slip armor made of high quality rubber, which ensures a comfortable grip and provides excellent resistance to impacts and drops. The fully sealed metal body is resistant to rain splashes (binoculars cannot be fully submerged in water), dust and debris. Perfect for outdoor activities such as bird watching, traveling, hunting and stargazing, as well as cruise ship rides.
The incident response and the later criminal inquiry answer different questions: the park’s measures concerned safety and reopening, while the inquiry addressed possible criminal responsibility.
What was Machado’s motive?
The sources reviewed for this article do not establish a verified motive. The zoo and city characterized his entry as deliberate, but that does not show whether he intended to die, understood the risk, or had another reason for entering the enclosure.
Recommended Free Tools
The available evidence also does not provide an adequate basis for presenting a mental-health diagnosis as fact or using one to explain his actions.
Rank #4
- An ideal choice magnification: A 10x magnification strikes the balance between zooming in on your target and maintaining a steady image, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.
- Equipped with Bak-4 prisms: These prisms deliver images with 3D depth and rich detail. Even under low-light conditions, you’ll still enjoy bright, sharp views.
- Compact design: About the size of your palm and weighing only 0.6 pounds - makes it easy to carry around wherever you go. With these features, your binoculars become a reliable companion for everyday adventures rather than a tool reserved only for special occasions.
- Wide range IPD: With an adjustable interpupillary distance ranging from 60mm to 75mm, they comfortably fit both kids and most adults. This means everyone in the family can share the excitement of discovering new sights together.
- Your one-stop solution: these binoculars absolutely for bird watching, cruising, hiking, and traveling, but they’re not just for the outdoors—catch every thrilling moment at sporting events, concerts, plays, and more. What's more? Don’t forget the simple pleasures: Keep them handy in the car glove box, use them during a layover at the airport, or explore your own backyard. Wherever your imagination takes you, Hontry binoculars are ready to follow.
What should visitors learn from the incident?
Visitors should stay in public areas and follow posted barriers and staff instructions. Do not climb or cross enclosure boundaries. If someone enters a restricted area, alert zoo staff rather than approaching the person or attempting a rescue.
FAQ
Where did the incident happen?
It happened at Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, known as Bica, in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
How did Machado enter the lioness enclosure?
A União reported that he climbed a wall more than six metres high, crossed containment railings, and used a nearby tree to enter the enclosure.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest Value
- 💎BRIGHT & WIDE VIEWING: The POXXU compact binocular features 8x magnification with 21mm objective lenses.; The large field of view ( 126m/1000m / 7.2°) combined with BAK4 prism glass delivers bright, clear, and expansive images for a superior viewing experience
- 💎GREEN FMC: Green FMC anti-reflective coating Reduces lens reflections to enhance light transmission, delivering brighter images with true-to-life clarity for optimal viewing experiences
- 💎QUICK & EASY FOCUSING: First, adjust eyepiece spacing to match your eye width. Then adjust the center focusing wheel to sharpen the view for your left eye. Last, slowly adjust the right diopter ring until both eyes see a single, clear image.It's just three simple steps, and you can easily get a clear image
- 💎ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: Lightweight, compact, and a top cruise essential. These binoculars easily fit in any bag, making them a cruise must haves for sightseeing, concerts, and sports. An absolute Alaska cruise essential
- 💎CONSIDERATE GIFT: Comes complete with everything needed: binoculars, neck strap, carrying pouch, lens cleaning cloth, instruction manual, and a protective box. A thoughtful and practical present
Why did he enter the enclosure?
The sources reviewed here do not establish his motive. The zoo and city characterized the entry as deliberate, but that is not proof of why he entered.
Was the lioness euthanized?
The sources reviewed for this article do not directly document an official euthanasia decision, so they do not establish what happened to Leona afterward.
What was the outcome of the criminal inquiry?
CNN Brasil reported that a judge archived the inquiry in March 2026 after the prosecutor recommended it. The reported decision found no indication of a crime or responsibility by public agents or third parties.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
