Giant Panda Attacks Caretaker Again... China in Uproar

Fortunately, the zookeeper is reported to be unharmed

An incident occurred at a zoo in China where a giant panda charged at a zookeeper.

An incident occurred at a zoo in China where a giant panda charged at a zookeeper. [Image source=Captured from Xiaohongshu]

On the 19th, local Chinese media such as The Paper reported that this incident took place at Chongqing Zoo in Chongqing City, China. The panda involved in the incident is named 'Dingding,' who was born at Chongqing Zoo on August 30, 2015.

The incident became known after a video recorded by a visitor at the scene spread on social networking services (SNS). In the video showing the situation, the zookeeper blocked Dingding from entering a restricted area in the outdoor enclosure by pushing a metal gate. When Dingding continued trying to enter, the zookeeper repeatedly pushed the gate to stop him. Agitated by this, Dingding suddenly chased the zookeeper and charged at him with his whole body. The zookeeper tried to fend off the panda by pushing its face but was helpless.

The panda grabbed the zookeeper's leg with both arms as he stepped backward, knocking him to the ground. Then, the panda pinned the zookeeper down and wildly swung its paws. The zookeeper, pinned under the panda, was only able to escape after kicking and struggling. Visitors who witnessed this scene screamed in shock. Fortunately, after receiving medical treatment at a hospital, the zookeeper was reported to have not been seriously injured. The zoo is investigating the circumstances of the incident.

An incident occurred at a zoo in China where a giant panda charged at a zookeeper. [Image source - Instagram capture]

It is unusual for a panda to attack a person. However, pandas are known to show aggression during mating season, when raising cubs, or when they are sick or injured. The zoo stated, "We have learned a profound lesson from this incident and will further strengthen zookeeper protocols," adding, "We will take safety measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again." It is reported that Dingding remains on public display even after the incident.

This is already the second time a panda has attacked a zookeeper at this zoo. In April, two two-year-old giant panda cubs charged at a zookeeper holding food and knocked him down. The zookeeper struggled to push the pandas away with his arms but was overwhelmed. Ultimately, the zookeeper was pinned down by the heavy pandas. The scene of him struggling with his shoes and socks coming off attracted attention online. The zookeeper was able to escape the danger thanks to another zookeeper who rushed to help.