This is the moment a giraffe repeatedly bangs its head against its own body at a Chinese zoo.
The footage was filmed at Weimei Animal World in Yichun, Jiangxi Province, eastern China.
Staff said on 9th October that the giraffe, named Bao Bao, was acting this way because it was suffering from kidney stones that caused severe pain, leading it to strike the affected area with its head.
A zoo worker said: “It has kidney stones and the pain is unbearable, just like when humans have kidney stones.”
Zoo director Mr Zhang explained that the nine-year-old giraffe’s naturally alert nature made it difficult for staff to approach it for surgery or intravenous treatment.
He said the park used acupuncture and nutritional care during feeding to help manage Bao Bao’s condition.
The zoo’s veterinarian said they had administered an anti-inflammatory and analgesic injection after discovering the giraffe in pain.
Mr Zhang said tourists had taken photos and expressed concern when they saw the animal banging its head against its thigh area.
He added that staff on site maintained order while ensuring the giraffe received immediate treatment.
The zoo said Bao Bao has since recovered.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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