Fake photo of recently released tiger alarms Kazakhstanis

People in Kazakhstan were alarmed by a photo purporting to show a tiger recently released into the wild in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve coming dangerously close to people. However, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said the image was fake.

What happened

A photo claiming to show a female tiger recently released into the wild has been circulating on social media.

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«The information does not correspond to reality. The published image shows signs indicating it may have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI),» the ministry said.

The tiger is being monitored

The ministry reassured the public that the released tiger is equipped with a GPS tracking collar. Specialists at the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve monitor its location and condition around the clock.

«We urge the public and media representatives to verify information before sharing it and rely only on official sources,» the ministry added.

The Ecology Ministry also reminded the public that distributing knowingly false information, or false photos or videos, entails liability under applicable law.

Context

Earlier, a female Amur tiger named Umit was released into the wild in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. She is the first tiger to return to the country’s natural habitat after the species disappeared there more than 70 years ago.

Before being released, she spent several months in a special enclosure undergoing acclimatization. Veterinarians examined her health, while specialists assessed her hunting skills and ensured she was ready to live independently.