Footage shows a giraffe struggling to rise after falling and injuring itself at a zoo as staff work to assist it.

The incident occurred at Yidu Giraffe Park in Yichang, Hubei, China, on November 22, during the zoo's first day of opening. The long-necked mammal reportedly fell while being fed by tourists.

The video captures an employee repeatedly trying to lift the animal back to its feet, but a wooden post seemingly hinders it from moving.

Its long neck and head crash to the ground several times as visitors watch in shock.

One staff member then begins cutting the post with an axe, while another clip shows the post being pulled down with a rope.

A third video shows the giraffe's neck flailing as it struggles to stand.

Local reports state that the giraffe was eventually rescued and is receiving treatment for unspecified injuries.

Some visitors expressed concerns about the zoo's safety standards, but staff claimed the incident was purely accidental.