No, Lions Are Not Roaming the Streets of Detroit: Viral Video Debunked
2 min read
Todd Ryburn Photography
A viral video of lions allegedly roaming the streets of Detroit caused a stir online, sparking confusion and debate. Originally posted on December 27 by Instagram account @detroitsportsdaily, the video amassed over 10,000 likes and prompted widespread discussion. The clip featured a voice-over filled with colorful commentary, adding to the drama. But as it turns out, the video was nothing more than an elaborate prank.
The Viral Clip
The video, timestamped for 2024, showed a pride of lions casually strolling through a city, purportedly Detroit. The voice-over narrated the bizarre scene, with exclamations like, “What the fck is going on? This sht is crazy. Get off these people’s neighborhood!” Unsurprisingly, the clip quickly gained traction on social media, leaving many viewers puzzled about the authenticity of the footage.
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Authorities Deny the Claim
According to a December 26 report from CBS News, wildlife officials debunked the claims, confirming that no such incident occurred. Both the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge stated that any real sighting of lions in the city would trigger an immediate public alert.
Experts also highlighted inconsistencies in the video. For instance, a sign in the background featured text in a non-English language, casting doubt on the location’s authenticity. Cybersecurity expert David Derigiotis weighed in, noting that while the video likely wasn’t AI-generated, it demonstrated the need for skepticism toward content found online.
The Prankster Comes Forward
Comedian Jay Cotton later admitted to creating the video as a joke. During a CBS interview on December 28, Cotton explained his motivation, saying, “It was just me being funny, y’all. I love the city of Detroit. This is my city.” He revealed that he found the lion footage online and added a humorous voice-over before uploading it.
While Cotton’s intention was to entertain, the prank took on a life of its own, leading to widespread misunderstanding. He used the opportunity to remind viewers about the importance of verifying information online, saying, “Don’t just take everything you see on the internet as gospel truth. Do your research.”
Despite Cotton’s lighthearted intent, the incident underscores how easily misinformation can spread. The viral nature of the clip serves as a reminder to approach online content with a critical eye. Authorities reiterated that any real wildlife emergencies would be swiftly addressed and communicated to the public.
As the prank fades from headlines, it leaves behind a valuable lesson: not everything we see online is as it seems.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
