Mei Ling wrestled with intruder then rolled over, allowing man to escape

A tourist wrestled with a giant panda after sneaking into its enclosure in an attempt to impress two female friends.

The man, in his 20s, was having a tour of the zoo in southeast China’s Jiangxi province with two women when crossed the 10ft-deep ditch into the panda house.

He woke the 260lb animal, Mei Ling, who lunged at his leg and clenched it tightly. But when the intruder tried to get away, the animal wrestled him to the floor.

The man, in his 20s, was having a tour of the zoo in southeast China’s Jiangxi province with two women when he entered the panda house and woke the slumbering beast

Mei Ling lunged at his leg and gripped it tightly. But when the intruder tried to get away, the animal wrestled him to the floor

The pair continued rolling in the grass for several minutes before Mei Ling rolled over and the man made his escape.

The foolhardy visitor, whose surname is Chen, was examined by medics after the incident on Thursday and found to be unharmed, The People's Daily reported.

Mei Ling was also said to be unharmed.

Although giant pandas may appear timid, they can cause serious injuries with their sharp claws and teeth when agitated.

Wardens at the zoo said they avoid entering the enclosure for safety reasons.

The pair continued rolling in the grass for several minutes before Mei Ling rolled over