Dublin Zoo is investigating after Twitter users shared pictures of a young boy playing inside the rhino enclosure.

The photos show an adult holding the boy’s hand while he stands inside the enclosure, as another adult takes a photo from outside the fence.

Social media users were shocked by the behaviour, noting that rhinos are amongst the most dangerous animals in the world.

A spokesperson for Dublin Zoo said they are looking into the incident.

Expand Close Dublin Zoo investigating after child climbs into rhino enclosure. Photo: Twitter/Adrianna Straszewska / Facebook

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Whatsapp Dublin Zoo investigating after child climbs into rhino enclosure. Photo: Twitter/Adrianna Straszewska

“The matter is being taken care of internally by Dublin Zoo,” she said.

She added: “It’s completely against Dublin Zoo’s health and safety rules but it is being looked into at the moment.”

It is understood that the incident happened on Friday, ahead of a hugely-busy bank holiday weekend at the zoo.

Earlier this year, a gorilla was shot dead by Cincinnati Zoo after a four-year-old fell into his closure.

The incident sparked fury around the world at the shooting of the 17-year-old gorilla, named Harambe.

Online Editors