Chinese tourists caught throwing rocks at panda ‘to wake it up’ in Beijing Zoo

In a video footage caught on camera, a tourist can be seen throwing a rock at a giant panda in popular Beijing Zoo in an attempt to wake it up.

An eyewitness filmed the incident, claiming she also saw other two people assaulting the giant panda with stones in the panda pavilion during her visit on Saturday.

A panda was sleeping when visitors threw rock at her to “wake her up.” (Weibo/Wo Shi Ge Xiao Xiong Jing)

The 38-second clip was posted on China’s Twitter-like social media platform, Weibo, by a panda fan. The witness told The Beijing News that it is about time to urge the zoo to upgrade its facilities to protect animals better.

A spokesperson also told The Beijing News that keepers immediately attended to the scene to prevent other tourists from doing the same to the animals. In a statement, Beijing Zoo said the panda, whose name is Meng Da, is currently well and has not been affected by the incident.

Giant panda named Meng Da looks to be sleeping at the panda pavilion. (Weibo/Wo Shi Ge Xiao Xiong Jing)

Beijing zoo plans to renovate the pavilion’s stadium and they also urge visitors to observe the animals in a ‘civilized’ manner.

Pandas, who are known as a symbol of China, often spend half of their days sleeping and eating.

A spokesperson of the zoo says Meng Da is back to eating, sleeping, and playing at the zoo. (VCG/Getty Images)

Thanks to conservation efforts led by Chinese experts, giant pandas were removed from the list of endangered species in 2016 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.