This is the moment a crane tries to fend off seven tigers after accidentally flying into their enclosure looking for fish to eat but ends up being eaten instead.

The incident occurred at the Europa Park Animal Kingdom in Dezhou, a city in Shandong province, China, on May 24.

The crane is believed to have flown in attracted by the water pool in the tigers' den, possibly in search of fish. At the time, the tigers were sleeping.

However, they suddenly ran over to investigate when they sensed the bird's presence.

Footage recorded by stunned visitors shows how seven tigers surrounded the crane and they appeared baffled by its outstretched wings and stood watching for several moments.

The crane flapped and jabbed to keep the curious cats at bay.

After a tense standoff, however, one tiger finally called the bird's bluff and made a leap.

The crane was caught and quickly dragged into the pack. It was then torn apart and eaten by the tigers.

A visitor who witnessed the event said he saw the crane moving in the water before it came ashore and was attacked.

The zoo has not confirmed whether the bird was one of their own or a wild animal that had strayed into the park.

Staff at Europa Park said they were aware of the incident but could not verify the origin of the crane.