(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-04 20:32

HARBIN - Bones and tattered clothing were found in the lion and tiger's enclosure at a zoo in China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province, an official confirmed on Friday.

The remains were found at about 8:40 am at the Beifang Forest Zoo in Harbin, the Heilongjiang capital, on March 25 when staff were cleaning the zoo.

An initial investigation by police revealed the victim was 37-year-old Zhang Yachun from Pingshan Township, about 30 kilometers away from the zoo, the Party chief of the zoo surnamed Ma said.

Zhang was known to have psychological problems.

No damage to the fence at the lion and tiger's section was discovered yet. It is unknown how Zhang managed to breach the enclosure.

A report on the website portal Sina.com quoted the dead man's father, Zhang Wanrong, as saying his son left home at about 7 am on March 24 to go to work and never returned.

A further investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.

The Beifang Forest Zoo, opened to the public in 2004, is south of Harbin, 43 kilometers from the city center.