Two Lions Escaped US Zoo
Illustrative photo. Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
The rumor
A claim spread that two lions escaped from a US zoo, accompanied by a viral image showing lions on the streets.
This caught on because people shared the striking image widely, leading to public panic and forcing the zoo to respond.
The truth
According to the Akron Zoo and 3News, the viral photo of escaped lions was made by AI and the lions are safe. Yahoo and the Akron Beacon Journal reported that the Akron Zoo confirmed no lions escaped after the viral hoax caused panic.
Where it is being claimed
The claim is being made on social media.
In short False
What is true
- An AI-generated image of lions on Akron streets sparked escape rumours according to Hindustan Times.
- The Akron Zoo confirmed that lions are safe and no lions escaped according to multiple reports.
What is false
- The claim that two lions escaped from a US zoo is false as confirmed by the Akron Zoo.
Sources
- Yahoo – Akron Zoo Confirms No Lions Escaped After Viral AI Image Caused Panic
- Akron Beacon Journal – Akron Zoo confirms lions are safe after viral hoax
- 614NOW – Akron Zoo responds to viral claims of escaped lion
- NDTV – Did Two Lions Escape US Zoo? Viral AI Image Sparks Panic, Here's The Truth
- Hindustan Times – AI-generated image of lions on Akron streets sparks escape rumours; US zoo issues clarification | Hindustan Times
- 3News – Ohio zoo says viral photo of 'escaped lions' was made by AI