Fact Check: Viral image showing a tree with lion’s face is edited

Hyderabad: Several social media users have shared a mesmerizing image of a snow-glazed tree that looks like the face of a majestic lion.

The viral image has fooled many into believing that is it real. But, is it as real as it claims to be?

Let’s find out.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false as the viral image is clearly edited.

We started our investigation by performing a keyword search and found the original post on Instagram uploaded by an artist Martijn.Schrijver, clearly acknowledged that he edited an image with Photoshop to create the viral image.

We carefully analyzed his entire profile and website and found multiple beautiful edits about nature and animals.

In his bio section he wrote, “Nature with creative sparkles: Inspired by nature, Martijn Schrijver creates surreal digital handicraft artworks.”

We also found the original image of this beautiful snow-laden tree on various stock image websites like Pixabay and Shutterstock.

A comparison of both can be seen below.

Hence, it is clear that the viral image of a tree showing the face of a lion is edited