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**WARNING: READERS MAY FIND SOME OF THE IMAGES BELOW DISTRESSING**

(Image: NOTICES CHELMEVISION)

The 20-year-old man – who is yet to be named – was severely mauled after breaking into the beasts’ home.

Shocking photos show the man wrapping his arms and legs around one male lion’s neck – his head right beside the creature’s deadly jaws.

He was saved after zookeepers shot one male and one female lion.

(Image: NOTICES CHELMEVISION)

The man is said to be in a grave condition in hospital after the incident at the Metropolitan Zoo in Santiago, Chile, on Saturday.

The lions had to be shot as no tranquillisers would have acted fast enough to save the man.

Zoo director Alejandra Montalba said staff were “deeply affected” by the loss of the animals.

But she insisted killing the beasts was the only option.

(Image: TWITTER)

She said: “The zoo has an established protocol because people's lives are very important to us.”

Witnesses said the man made religious proclamations as the incident took place and a suicide note was found in his clothing – suggesting he was trying to kill himself.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.