Buffalo City Municipality spokesperson Thandy Matebese told Algoa FM News that CCTV footage shows him entering the zoo at around 9am.
He said the man, who has yet to be identified, appeared calm and did not seem emotional.
Matabese said he had climbed over the protective fence around the enclosure where three lions are housed.
"The lions were immobilised so that the body could be taken out. They did not go out of the den to attack a person, so there is no chance of them being put down, when people are there they must respect the rules. It suppose to be a place where we go and have fun, for families, so people must make sure that the place is used exactly for that." said Matabese.
Police spokesperson Warran Officer Hazel Mqala says they have opened an inquest docket.
