The authorities in Ghana are investigating after a man was mauled to death by a lion after he climbed into a zoo enclosure in the capital, Accra, BBC reported.

The man, described as middle-aged, died from his injuries after Sunday's attack, officials say.

Wildlife authorities suspect he may have planned to steal two rare white lion cubs which have become a big draw since their birth last November.

The victim's body was retrieved from the zoo and taken to a local morgue.

Police have opened an investigation to establish the motive of the intruder and circumstances surrounding the attack.

A lion, a lioness, and their two white cubs were in the enclosure when the incident happened.

The intruder scaled a 10-foot fence before climbing over another 20-foot one to enter the lions' enclosure, officials say.