In a tragic incident, a man was discovered mauled to death inside an enclosure at Bahawalpur's Sherbagh Zoo in Punjab Province, Pakistan. The grisly discovery was made on Wednesday by cleaning workers who came across a big cat with a shoe in its mouth.

According to Zaheer Anwar, a senior local government official, suspicions arose when the zoo's staff found the animal holding a shoe in its mouth while cleaning the dens. As their curiosity grew, they eventually found the lifeless body of the man inside the den. The victim has not been identified, and it remains unclear how he gained access to the animal enclosure.

Authorities are yet to determine the exact species of the big cat involved in the attack. Anwar used a term that is applicable to both tigers and leopards, both of which are believed to be housed at the zoo. However, local media outlets have reported that it was a tiger.

Zafarullah, an official of the rescue organization 1122 in Bahawalpur, stated that the victim's legs had been severely gnawed upon, suggesting a vicious and violent attack. The condition of the body indicated that the incident had occurred several hours prior.

Forensic experts have been called in to conduct a thorough examination of the body and ascertain the exact cause of death. Preliminary findings from the autopsy conducted at the Bahawal Victoria Hospital revealed that the victim had been torn apart by the big cats. The report also suggested that the man had attempted to defend himself but was ultimately overwhelmed by the animals.

The Sherbagh Zoo, operated by Punjab's wildlife department, boasts "modern moated enclosures" that house a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and hyenas. A quick visit to the zoo only costs 18 cents for an adult ticket.

In response to the incident, the local government in Bahawalpur has formed a committee to investigate the deadly animal attack. The committee is expected to submit a detailed report within a week. As a precautionary measure, the zoo has been temporarily closed to visitors pending the outcome of the investigation.

This tragic incident highlights the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in zoos and animal enclosures, ensuring the well-being of both the visitors and the animals. The authorities are determined to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event and identify any necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.