"He went into the cage ... (about) nine lions then attacked and ate him up until the only parts that remained were the skull and spine," police spokesman superintendent Lesego Metsi said.

"It happened in full view of two witnesses."

He said it was unclear why Boosen, who had worked at the lodge for four years, had gone into the enclosure as he usually fed the lions by placing meat through the fence. Police did not suspect foul play.