Indy Zoo refutes post about loose lions

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo is clearing up confusion about a viral post claiming several lions escaped from their enclosures.

The post, which claimed the escaped lions were caught on camera Wednesday evening along the White River, was shared more than 25,000 times. 

The zoo posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Thursday, saying, "Who knew that April Fools Day came in December?" before explaining the photo is not true.

The zoo said the image of the lions originally came from a safari trail camera in Africa.

Officials closed out their message reassuring families that all of the zoo's animals are safe and sound, adding the hashtag "#FakeNews."

Who knew that April Fools' Day came in December? Reports of lions escaping from our Zoo are not true. If you saw this image floating around social media, know that it came from a safari trail camera in Africa. All of our animals are safe and sound.#FakeNews

— Indianapolis Zoo (@IndianapolisZoo) December 21, 2023