This is the comical moment a naughty panda wrestles another that thwarted its apparent bid to climb over their cage and escape the zoo.

Hilarious phone footage shows the two playful bears roughing each other up on the ground at their enclosure in Beijing Zoo, in China’s capital.

The scuffle began as one of them tried to climb the tall metal fence surrounding the enclosure, apparently trying to get to the other side.

But its attempt at freedom was short-lived as the other panda, seemingly wanting it to stay, bit its hind paws several times, causing it to fall over.

Apparently annoyed with its mate, the panda started a fight and both began wrestling each other in the dirt.

Meanwhile, a third panda observing the tussle from a neighbouring cage, ran up and down the length of the fence trying to get their attention seemingly wanting to break up the fight.

The ‘drama’ continued for about a minute before the footage cut.

Users on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, could not help but gush over the adorably messy scene.

One user, titled ‘rainbow after rain’, said in a comment: “The third panda is the referee.”

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a black-and-white bear native to China and often serves as the country’s national symbol.

Known for its distinct colouration with black patches around the eyes, ears, and across its body, the giant panda has a robust build and a unique “pseudo thumb,” an extension of the wrist bone used for grasping bamboo.

Despite their carnivorous classification, pandas primarily consume bamboo, supplemented with fruits and occasionally small mammals.

The giant panda is threatened by continued habitat loss and habitat fragmentation and is currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.