Russia released more than 500 lions to make sure that people stay inside during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An article published by the Daily Mail Online and the templates on the Break Your Own News refutes the claim.

An article published by the Daily Mail Online and the templates on the Break Your Own News refutes the claim.A photo went viral on the social media with the text “Vladimir Putin has Dropped 800 tigers and Lions all over the Country to push people to stay Home. Stay Safe Everyone! ”.

The Daily Mail Online news report on 15 April 2016, mentioned that the male lion was spotted strolling down the streets of South Africa's biggest city in Johannesburg and it also added that the lion had been borrowed from a nearby lion park and the area was fenced off while the animal was let loose.

The Break Your Own News is a website where anyone can generate their own breaking news stories.

It is concluded that an old image of a tamed lion strolling in South Africa’s Johannesburg was shared with the false narrative that Russia is restricting the movements of its citizen leaving 800 tigers and lions across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.