A shocking incident unfolded at the Chongqing Zoo (China) on September 19, when a giant panda suddenly went berserk, charging at a female zookeeper inside its enclosure. The terrifying attack, captured on video by stunned visitors, has since gone viral across social media.
A Horrifying Moment Inside the Panda Enclosure
The footage shows a middle-aged staff member attempting to exit the panda enclosure. Without warning, the panda lunged forward with tremendous force, slamming against the gate and forcing the worker back inside.
The situation escalated quickly. The panda charged at the woman, who desperately tried to hold onto its head to restrain it. But the panda’s sheer power proved overwhelming—it knocked the zookeeper to the ground and leapt on top of her.
As she struggled and screamed in terror, panicked visitors outside the cage shouted frantically: “Hurry up! Help her!”
A Narrow Escape
In what seemed like a miracle, the panda suddenly lost focus, perhaps distracted by the loud screams around it. It paused, turned away in confusion, and released its grip.
Seizing the chance, the woman scrambled to her feet and bolted toward the gate, narrowly escaping with her life. Witnesses described the scene as “a brush with death,” leaving many trembling even after the ordeal ended.
A “National Treasure” With a Dark Side
Pandas are often called China’s “national treasure,” adored worldwide for their gentle, lazy demeanor. They live mainly on bamboo, consuming 12 to 40 kilograms per day, and can weigh up to 150 kilograms as adults.
Attacks on humans are extremely rare, as pandas are generally shy and docile. This incident shocked both visitors and zookeepers, raising questions about what triggered the animal’s sudden aggression.
Public Shock and Questions Raised
The dramatic footage spread rapidly online, sparking heated discussion in China. Many expressed concern over zoo safety protocols and speculated about the panda’s behavior, while others admitted they would now think twice before seeing pandas as harmless “cuddly bears.”
Though the zookeeper survived without fatal injuries, the terrifying episode has left a deep impression. What was once considered the most lovable of animals revealed in an instant that even “gentle giants” can become dangerous.
