• 10-year-old girl attacked by lions in Chinese zoo after entering a restricted feeding area
• Zoo staff used a metal rod to rescue the girl, and the park was temporarily closed for safety review

A horrifying video shows a 10-year-old girl being attacked by two lions at Shantou Zhongshan Park Zoo in Guangdong, China, after she was allowed into a restricted area to feed the animals.

The footage shows the girl standing near the lion enclosure bars when a lioness suddenly reached through and grabbed her leg. She screamed as a zookeeper quickly tried to pull her away while another lion also attempted to reach her.

The staffer used a metal rod to push the lion’s paw away from the girl’s pants, eventually freeing her after a tense 30-second struggle.

Local media confirmed the girl was too young to enter the feeding area, and the staff member who brought her there was suspended.

Officials believe the lioness attacked because the girl held a piece of meat.

The girl was hospitalized with minor leg injuries and released after receiving a rabies vaccination.

The zoo, known for its interactive feeding sessions, was temporarily closed pending a review of safety procedures.