Images of a pink dolphin circulating on social media have captured widespread attention this week. Users on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, claimed that this rare aquatic mammal was spotted off the coast of North Carolina. However, a closer examination of these images reveals several inconsistencies suggesting the dolphin is not real but rather fabricated or AI-generated. Upon studying the visuals, it became evident that the dolphin exhibits a plastic-like appearance and remains in the exact same pose in each photo. These details cast doubt on the authenticity of the sightings. Furthermore, pink dolphins, also known as Amazon river dolphins or boto, are native to South America and reside in freshwater environments within the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. These regions include countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela, which are thousands of kilometers away from North Carolina.
One social media user shared an image with the caption, "Something you don't see every day. A rare PINK dolphin. The pink dolphin was discovered stranded on a North Carolina beach having been washed out of its natural habitat. The dolphin has been returned to the ocean." Another post read, "Pink dolphin photographed off the coast of North Carolina. I would throw my beer down and get right if I saw this! LOL."
Despite these enthusiastic posts, the images appear suspicious. Notably, the word 'cola' is visible on the dolphin's forehead upon zooming in, suggesting that it might be a prop used in a soda brand commercial. Additionally, the dolphin's texture looks plastic, and there has been no official confirmation from wildlife authorities in North Carolina regarding the presence of such a dolphin in the area.
Social media users were quick to point out these discrepancies. One person tweeted, "People keep sharing that fake AI pink dolphin on Facebook, we’re doomed," while another added, "Half of my Facebook feed is sharing the most obvious fake post I’ve ever seen. No, a pink dolphin did not wash up on Topsail Island and pose for professional quality photos before swimming away."
Is that real? Never even heard of a pink dolphin let alone someone got a picture of one. If it's a real thing stop taking pictures and start recording.... that's the only way to make sure that it's real like people( including myself have forgotten that we can actually record now
— Employee#50-60ish (@E60ish) June 20, 2024
These insights highlight the need for skepticism and critical thinking when encountering extraordinary claims on social media. The fascination with rare and unusual phenomena often leads to the rapid spread of misinformation. In this case, the pink dolphin images serve as a reminder to verify sources and question the authenticity of viral content, especially when it involves rare and geographically improbable sightings.
Image Source: Instagram