An investigation is underway after a man, said to be provoked by the biblical story of Daniel, was left severely injured after jumping into a lion's cage at the
The 20-year-old survived the incident at the Metropolitan Zoo in the Chilean capital, Santiago after two lions were shot dead by zoo security in front of onlookers.
Franco Luis Ferrada Roman was reportedly chanting proverbs as he broke open the roof of the cage and took off his clothes.
He left behind drawings and letters claiming that he was a prophet who was protected by God.
One of them reportedly said: "Angel of mine, protect me from the enemy. I have the power to do what I want. The devil is scared of me; I will lock him up back where he never should have come out of."
Reports from the country imply that Mr Roman was trying to create a miracle, rather than commit suicide.
Dr Italo Sigala, a psychiatrist for the local medical service's legal department, said: "He was convinced that he was talking to the lions and due to his divine power they would not hurt him."
Franco Luis Ferrada Roman remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
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