An Indian man who is said to have climbed over a fence and fallen into the area where a white tiger is being kept at the New Delhi Zoo was reportedly attacked and killed by the animal on Tuesday.

According to the zoo manager, Riaz Khan, the man climbed over the knee-high fence, then reportedly jumped into the enclosure which is around 18 feet deep. 

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The man was repeatedly warned not to get near the enclosure but did not follow the instructions of the zoo authorities.

However, other reports suggest that he might have slipped over the fence accidentally as he leaned over.

The man was said to be 20-years-old and believed to be a student.

Eyewitnesses said in a statement that the white tiger grabbed the man by his neck. The photos released on T.V. showed the man crouching in terror as he leaned on the wall while the tiger was inches away from him.

A video recorded by an onlooker revealed that the white tiger was simply watching the man but became aggressive once other onlookers and guards in the zoo sacred it away.

Another witness identified by the name of Himanshu said that he heard screaming while they were looking at the reptiles. They then rushed to the enclosure of the white tiger.

Himanshu said that the man was already locked in between the tiger's jaws and no one dared to help him. The situation lasted for about 15 minutes and he noted that the man was "writhing badly in pain."

Some of the kids who were also in the area were seen throwing sticks and stones in an attempt to ward off the white tiger but were unsuccessful in trying to do so.

According to reports, the body of the man remained at the enclosure two hours after the unfortunate incident. Authorities then pronounced him dead as they retrieved the body from the pit.

The enclosure where the tiger is being kept is said to be off limits but the rest of the zoo is still fully operational.

It is not yet clear what will happen to the white tiger as it is considered an endangered species. Police are now investigating who the man was and how he ended up inside the pit.

TagsWhite tiger, Indian man, killed and attacked, New Delhi Zoo, tiger attack, Delhi, attack, mauling