There is “no suggestion” that a zoo worker who went viral online after hitting a kangaroo to protect his dog will be sacked, according to his employer.

Greig Tonkins – an elephant keeper at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia – was seen striking a kangaroo that had his dog in a headlock while on a pig hunting trip.

The zoo had initially said it would “consider any appropriate action” after the video surfaced this week, but later said it had been “inundated with concern” for Tonkins.

“Mr Tonkins is an experienced zookeeper and during his six years at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has always followed Taronga’s best practice approach to animal care and welfare,” said a statement from the zoo, which also added it strongly opposed humans striking animals and the practice of using dogs to hunt.

“We continue to work with Mr Tonkins on his conduct in regards to this incident,” said the zoo.

Tonkins’ actions have drawn the ire of animal rights groups, including Humane Society International Australia and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who have said he should be “prosecuted instead of being made out to be a national hero”.

The original video has been viewed more than 8.4 million times, with airings also on national TV, including CNN’s global news coverage.