A man reportedly tried to commit suicide by jumping into a tiger enclosure – but failed when the cats showed no interest in eating him.

Yang Jinhai jumped into a pen housing a pair of Bengal tigers at Chengdu Zoo in south-west China, according to a local newspaper.

Chengdu Economic Daily said the 27-year-old, who suffers from depression and mental disorders, made ​​theatrical movements in a bid to incite the tigers.

The tigers reportedly flayed the man and dragged him by his neck, but showed no interest in eating him.

Zoo staff finally moved in to tranquillise the tigers, prior to rescuing the man, who suffered 16 minor injuries and is now being treated for depression.