Video clip of crocodile 'resurrected' after being cut down with a kitchen knife. Screenshot of The Beijing News

A series of pictures and videos showing a crocodile suddenly jumping up after being cut down with a kitchen knife by a man who thought it was dead soared to the top of the trending list in Chinese social media Sina Weibo.

The netizen reportedly bought the crocodile from Freshhema, an Alibaba-owned retailer. 

People online speculated whether Freshhema is selling live crocodiles. But Freshhema denied the claim in a statement on Sunday, saying the crocodiles are farmed and sold in frozen packages. All products are eviscerated before delivery. 

There is no possibility of hibernation and resurrection of crocodiles for sale under normal circumstances, the company said.

In addition to the debate over whether live crocodiles should be sold, many netizens expressed shock at the purchase of crocodiles. "I never knew crocodiles could be eaten or that they were actually sold," one comment said.