BONES and torn clothing were found in the lion and tiger's enclosure at a zoo in China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province, an official confirmed Friday.

The remains were found by cleaning staff at about 8:40 a.m. March 25 at the Beifang Forest Zoo in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province.

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

Zhang was known to have psychological problems.

There was no apparent damage to the enclosure fence. It was not known how Zhang managed to enter the enclosure.

A report on the Web site portal Sina.com quoted the dead man's father, Zhang Wanrong, as saying his son left home at about 7 a.m. March 24 to go to work and never returned. Zhang junior was fond of tigers, Zhang senior said.

An investigation is continuing.

The Beifang Forest Zoo opened to the public in 2004. It is 43 km from the downtown of Harbin.

(Xinhua)