This is the shocking moment a visibly enraged chimpanzee used a wooden stick to hit a bird inside a zoo enclosure.

Footage captured by Ms Ma shows the primate striking the yellow-billed stork with the tree branch on the bank at Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong, China.

The ape can be seen repeatedly smacking the hapless bird while its companion rushed towards, seemingly attempting to calm the chimp down, but the attack continued on August 26.

Some zoo visitors can be heard gasping at the scene, while others were amused by the companion's attempt to intervene.

The stork was later taken to an animal hospital, where it is now receiving treatment and recovering.

A Chimelong Safari Park spokesman said: 'The bird was a yellow-billed stork that had strayed into the chimpanzee enclosure, causing stress among the animals.

'Chimpanzees have an IQ similar to that of a five- or six-year-old human child, and their behaviour is often the result of curiosity or playfulness. The exhibition chimpanzees do not have direct contact with keepers, aggressive animals are housed separately, and the animals are well-fed, mainly with fruit.'

Chimpanzees may act aggressively when threatened, stressed, or challenged. They often use tools they find during play, curiosity, or conflict.