A keeper was fired for striking a giant panda with a shovel in northern China.

The video was filmed in Xi'an City in Shaanxi Province on March 17.

A shovel held by a keeper made contact with a 5-year-old panda named Zhilu multiple times, prompting him to evade the blows.

Responding to the incident on March 18, authorities at the centre addressed the situation, confirming that keeper named Li had indeed used a shovel to strike Zhilu, a clear violation of the "Giant Panda Feeding Safety Management Regulations."

Li has since been dismissed from his position. Following a thorough examination, no external injuries were found on Zhilu, who will continue to undergo health monitoring.

Expressing profound regret over the incident, the centre announced a temporary closure from March 20 to March 22 for a three-day overhaul.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

3月17日，陕西西安，秦岭四宝科学公园内，大熊猫“知路”被饲养员多次用铁锹敲打，游客拍摄的视频中可清晰见到铁锹落在大熊猫“知路”身上，“知路”多次闪躲。
3月18日，该中心相关部门回应称，饲养员李某用铁锨驱打大熊猫，严重违反《大熊猫饲养安全管理规程》，予以辞退。经对该大熊猫检查，未发现外伤，将持续进行健康监测。该中心对此事深表歉意，将于2024年3月20日至3月22日闭园整顿3天。 资料显示，大熊猫“知路”，雄性，2018 年 7 月出生。秦岭四宝科学公园（Qinling Sibao Animal Protection Park），位于陕西省西安市周至县楼观台西边，占地420亩，距离西安70公里。2021年5月28日开园，是陕西省唯一的珍稀野生动物保护基地。