A photograph circulating on social media, purportedly showing a tigress recently released into the wild in the Ile-Balkhash Reserve, has caused concern among Kazakhs. However, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has stated that the image is fake, according to infohub.kz.
The ministry noted that the published image shows signs of possible generation using artificial intelligence technologies. "This information does not correspond to reality," the Ministry of Ecology emphasized.
To dispel fears, the ministry reminded that the released predator is equipped with a satellite GPS collar. Specialists of the Ile-Balkhash Reserve are monitoring her location and condition around the clock.
"We urge citizens and media representatives to verify the accuracy of information before spreading it and to rely only on official sources," the ministry added. They also reminded that spreading deliberately false information and unreliable photo and video materials entails liability in accordance with the law.
Recall that recently, an Amur tigress named Umit was released into the wild in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. This is the first tiger to return to the country's natural habitat after the predators disappeared more than 70 years ago. Before that, she lived in a special enclosure for several months, where she underwent adaptation. Veterinarians checked her health, specialists assessed her hunting skills and made sure she was ready for independent life.