Kangaroo finds out that its way of dealing with mosquito bites just is not up to scratch.
This footage – shot at a zoo in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China – reveals that even a thick hairy hide is no protection against thirsty bloodsuckers.
The clip – later uploaded on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok on the 2nd May – shows the ‘roo trying to scratch the itch in its powerful haunches.
Then – when that does not work – the Aussie marsupial bends over and chews away at its own rear end in a desperate bid for relief.
The clip has been shared almost 740,000 times since it was posted by a zoo keeper named only as Mr Chen.
A swing to hot and humid weather in eastern China has given mosquitos perfect breeding conditions.
Netizens remarked that the animal’s agonised facial expressions are similar to human bite victims, while others humorously commented on Douyin.
A user titled ‘Xxxxxxxxx’ commented: “After scratching, carve a cross with your fingernail to seal it”
Another user titled ‘Yolo rice’ commented: “At this moment, I feel like he is human.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Filip Dzambazoski, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Asia Wire Report
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.