Asger Risom
That adorable clip of bunnies bouncing on a trampoline or a brave house cat chasing off a leopard might look real, but chances are it’s not
That adorable clip of bunnies bouncing on a trampoline or a brave house cat chasing off a leopard might look real, but chances are it’s not. A growing wave of AI-generated animal videos is flooding social media — and researchers warn the trend could have serious consequences for conservation and how people, especially children, understand nature.
The illusion of the wild
A study published in Conservation Biology examined the viral spread of AI-created photos and videos featuring animals. The researchers identified three major risks: misleading portrayals of animal behavior, the humanization of wildlife, and an increasing detachment between people and the natural world.
“Our findings indicate that some posts are concerning because they do not reflect reality, which can contribute to misinformation,” said José Guerrero Casado, a zoologist at Spain’s University of Córdoba and co-author of the study. “For effective biodiversity conservation, society must be well informed.”
Casado pointed to viral videos depicting birds killing snakes as moral battles between “good” and “evil.” Comments celebrating the snake’s death, he warned, can fuel hostility toward certain species and even weaken support for their protection.
False impressions, real damage
Such fake content can also create the illusion that endangered animals are thriving, masking their vulnerability. Researchers say this distorts public understanding of biodiversity and undermines conservation efforts.
“These videos might make children believe wildlife behaves like cartoon characters,” said Rocío Serrano, a co-author from the University of Córdoba’s education department. “When they realize that nature isn’t like that, it actually pushes them further away from it.”
The researchers note that social media has become a primary source of information for many people, particularly young audiences. AI-generated depictions of exotic animals behaving playfully or affectionately can also fuel the illegal pet trade by making such creatures seem friendly or easy to keep.
Teaching digital skepticism
To counter these effects, the study’s authors call for stronger media literacy and environmental education in schools. “Children need to understand from an early age that there are no lions here,” said zoologist Francisco Sánchez, also of the University of Córdoba.
Experts recommend looking for visual clues to identify AI content. “AI-generated wildlife videos can look convincing, but there are some telltale signs,” explained Siwei Lyu, a computer scientist at the University of Buffalo. “Watch for unnatural movements, mismatched shadows, or odd textures in fur or feathers. These small inconsistencies often reveal when something isn’t real.”
A digital reality check
As synthetic media grows more sophisticated, the line between real and fake nature could blur further. Scientists worry that the more people engage with imaginary animals online, the less connected they will feel to the living world outside their screens.
The message from researchers is clear: enjoy wildlife videos — but question what you see. Not every pouncing tiger or dancing penguin on TikTok is real, and believing they are may do more harm than good.
Sources: Popular Science, Conservation Biology, University of Córdoba
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, who may have used AI in the preparation
