This is the moment a crocodile holds a stray kitten it has caught between its fangs in front of stunned visitors at a zoo in Kazakhstan.

The incident was filmed at Almaty Zoo in the Kazakh city of Almaty and the footage has been widely shared on social media.

In the video, the crocodile is seen inside its enclosure with what was reported to be a kitten in its jaws.

The incident reportedly took place in front of families and children, prompting the zoo to confirm what happened and explain the circumstances.

The statement obtained by Newsflash said: “In the zoo, there is always a large number of cats from the surrounding private area. They are attracted by the food in animal enclosures.

“We cannot prevent the appearance of the cats on the grounds, fences and barriers do not stop them.

“The incident happened because the summer crocodile enclosure was empty since autumn and the cats had become used to walking through it.

“When the influx of visitors began, the cat and her kitten escaped the crowds by hiding in the corridor in the crocodile enclosure, where the keeper did not see them.”

The zoo added: “It was impossible to save the kitten. Crocodiles are one of the most dangerous predators and if the keepers tried to take it away, they would have been at risk as well.”

The zoo added that they had managed to drive away the adult cat, and had therefore at least ensured that the older feline survived.