Poa Place Resort Dismisses Viral Lion Escape Claims, Says Animals Secure
The memo advised recipients to avoid open spaces, secure buildings and report any unusual animal sightings while awaiting an official all-clear.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Poa Place Resort and Nature Centre has dismissed social media reports alleging that a lion escaped from its wildlife sanctuary, assuring the public that all its animals are safe, secure and fully accounted for.
The resort issued the clarification after a purported security alert circulated online, claiming a lion had escaped from the neighboring wildlife facility and urging members of a nearby institution to remain indoors as a precaution.
In a public notice, Poa Place described the reports as false and said there had been no escape involving any of its animals.
“Poa Place Resort and Nature Centre wishes to clarify that the reports circulating on social media alleging that a lion has escaped from our premises are completely false,” the statement said.
The management said the safety and well-being of guests, staff and animals remain its highest priority and emphasized that its wildlife sanctuary continues to operate under normal conditions.
“All our animals are safe, secure, and fully accounted for. We assure the public that the safety and well-being of our guests, staff, and animals remain our highest priority,” the resort said.
The resort also confirmed that its Animal Sanctuary remains open during normal operating hours and continues to welcome families, schools, tourists and other visitors.
Officials encouraged members of the public to visit the sanctuary and experience its wildlife conservation programs firsthand.
“Since our lions have become the talk of the town, we invite you to visit Poa Place Resort and Nature Centre and experience our wildlife, beautiful environment, and conservation efforts firsthand. The lions are not on the loose. They are right where they belong, ready to be admired safely at Poa Place,” the statement added.
The clarification followed the circulation of an internal memo, purportedly issued by a neighboring institution, warning students and staff to remain indoors because of an alleged lion escape. The memo advised recipients to avoid open spaces, secure buildings and report any unusual animal sightings while awaiting an official all-clear.
Poa Place’s statement directly contradicted those claims, saying no lion had escaped from its facility.
The resort urged the public to rely on official communication when seeking information and cautioned against sharing unverified reports on social media, noting that misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
The incident highlights the growing challenge posed by the rapid spread of unverified information online, particularly during situations involving public safety. Authorities and organizations frequently advise members of the public to confirm reports through official channels before acting on or sharing them.
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