This is the dramatic moment an escaped tiger mauled a hyena in a zoo clash before it bit back.

The curious feline leapt over the fence into the spotted hyena's enclosure at Shendiaoshan Wildlife World in Shandong, China.

Footage shows the cub initially struggling to climb the barrier until its sibling pulled it out on August 9.

Undeterred, the young tiger made a second attempt and successfully escaped its shelter.

The juvenile wildcat immediately latched onto the hyena's neck, sinking its fangs in as the ‘prey' dodged to avoid the attack.

The two circled each other, with the tiger snapping repeatedly while the hyena weaved to evade the bites.

Onlookers can be heard screaming in fear as they watch the pair.

Moments later, the hyena landed a solid bite on the tiger's body, forcing the cub to retreat.

It then advanced cautiously, trying to push the young big cat back over the fence.

Shendiaoshan Wildlife World spokesperson said: 'Both animals are young and have limited attack power. They will now be kept properly separated to prevent any further enclosure breaches.'

The zoo, a coastal wildlife nature reserve, is home to more than 4,000 animals from over 400 species.

Tigers are solitary apex predators, revered for their immense strength and silent, stealthy approach. Even as cubs, they showcase fierce hunting instincts, relying on powerful jaws and sharp claws to capture their prey.

Hyenas are remarkably intelligent and formidable hunters themselves. Known for their bone-crushing bite, they possess complex social structures and cooperative behaviours that make them highly effective in both hunting and scavenging.