Murder is suspected in the death of a 46-year-old butcher on the outskirts of the spa town of Bad Ragaz in the canton of Saint Gallen.

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The man’s body was discovered on Monday morning in a residential building on the grounds of the Leopard Zoo, a private resort that incorporates a restaurant and apartment building.

Cantonal police issued a statement saying they believe a “violent crime” occurred involving an apartment tenant but otherwise are remaining tight-lipped about the case.

Blick.ch, the German-language news website, identified the victim as Harry L., a divorced butcher described as “well-liked” by residents.

His body was found in the basement by zoo owner Mario Capol, 65.

“It was a huge shock to find him like that,” Capol told Blick.ch.

“We are incredibly sad . . . I cannot imagine who could do something terrible to Harry.”

The butcher had reportedly helped out in his spare time at the zoo, which exhibits monkeys and parrots, as well as tigers, among other exotic species.

He also played football for the Bad Ragaz FC Veterans team.

Harry moved to the zoo after separating from his 36-year-old wife a year ago, Blick.ch reported.