This is the shocking moment when a boy chokes and batters a helpless peacock at a zoo in eastern China.

In a video of the vicious attack – at Wuxi Zoo, Jiangsu Province – the boy is seen running as he chases one of the peacocks strolling on the grounds.

When that one gives him the slip, he grabs another unsuspecting bird and immediately begins to throttle it.

Then he is seen straddling the bird and repeatedly slamming it onto rocks on the ground.

Astonishingly, one member of the public can be heard laughing at his antics on the video soundtrack.

The bird is only saved when a security guard grabs him by his jacket and hauls him away before handing him over to an adult.

The video was later shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

The zoo told local media: “The injured peacock has been moved to the breeding garden for isolation and recuperation.

“Since the zoo is open for free these two days, and there are many tourists, the patrolling staff can’t take care of everything.

“The patrolling of the zoo will also be strengthened in the future.”

Staff at the zoo told local media that the incident happened although the zoo has warning signs, loudspeaker reminders, and patrolling staff.

They now plan to reduce the number of peacocks released outside for activities.

Local media reported that the parents of the unnamed boy did not react to the incident until the guard handed them the boy.

They did not offer an apology or apparently feel guilty.

Netizen ‘The current is coming’ said: “What’s next? Hope it is dealt with seriously. This kind of grown-up is definitely an anti-social personality.”

And ‘tiger monkey horse’ commented: “This kid is cruel and lacks education.”