I’m seeing a lot of these stories that people just love to repost and retweet. They have to do with nature “reclaiming” the Earth from horrible humans during the coronavirus lockdown. This is a popular one:
Wild animals are reclaiming cities and streets during coronavirus lockdown https://t.co/YhLS3O0vrs pic.twitter.com/kku1hoob4K
— New York Post (@nypost) April 19, 2020
It’s based on this tweet from a national park in South Africa:
Kruger visitors that tourists do not normally see. #SALockdown This lion pride are usually resident on Kempiana Contractual Park, an area Kruger tourists do not see. This afternoon they were lying on the tar road just outside of Orpen Rest Camp.
Section Ranger Richard Sowry pic.twitter.com/jFUBAWvmsA— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) April 15, 2020
That would be remarkable if it were true. But it’s probably at the least an embellishment seeking gullible retweeters. Here’s why I think it’s exaggerated:
Largest Lion Pride Ever Walking on Road in Kruger Park pic.twitter.com/0mC5CyNLvd
— (@sha_ji1) December 5, 2019
17 lions blocked the road and caused traffic for one hour at Kruger National Park in South Africa on November 25th, 2016. No one was harmed. pic.twitter.com/csobUGltQz
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 29, 2019
WATCH: A large pride of lions was captured strolling casually down the road in the Kruger National Park, with several young ones and a majestic male. https://t.co/lYUVaVXV31 pic.twitter.com/f2p3jKRjRt
— Getaway Magazine (@GetawayMagazine) March 13, 2020
There are even some from the same account from before the lockdown!!
KNP LION PRIDE USED TO CARS, BE CAUTIOUS pic.twitter.com/QExvYcuhS0
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) August 29, 2018
LOL! I mean, c’mon.
Here’s one from a Chinese account!
Humans need our permission to pass through! A pack of #lions was captured on camera lying in the middle of the road as cars try to drive past in Kruger National Park in #SouthAfrica. pic.twitter.com/Ug8v1wUCuK
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) November 15, 2018
More:
Largest Lion Pride Ever Blocking Road In Kruger Park https://t.co/sOTRjQwpB2 #wildlife #conservation pic.twitter.com/SYN09KWqwL
— Conservation Ins. (@Conservation_I) August 3, 2018
These dumb posts have become so popular that people make fun of them like a meme now:
Sharks are finally enjoying the wilderness now that the humans are gone. We are the virus pic.twitter.com/VJWqXsEUQp
— nicole (@y0ungnub) April 14, 2020
With everyone on lockdown, the trucks have returned to their waterholes. Nature is healing. We are the virus. pic.twitter.com/768tzQNOza
— Nooh Ahamad (@AhamadNooh) April 16, 2020
this photo of Ramsey NJ was taken yesterday. the earth is healing. we are the virus. pic.twitter.com/n9TRA73SCh
— Amanda Rose (@amanda__thorp) April 19, 2020
It’s very popular to hate humanity and worship nature as if we’re not a part of it. Kinda stupid really. In any case, don’t fall for these insipid exaggerations.