Brains On! – Hoax Hunters: Can a Lake Turn Animals to Stone?

Podcast: Brains On! Science podcast for kids
Episode Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Molly Bloom
Co-host: Jade (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Special Segment Hosts: Mark & Sandon
Expert Guest: Neovita Sianga (African People and Wildlife)

Episode Overview

This episode tackles the wild claim that Tanzania's Lake Natron can "turn animals to stone." Is this just a viral myth, or is there real science behind it? Molly and her kid co-host Jade team up with Brains On’s “Hoax Hunters” (Mark and Sandon) to investigate where this myth comes from, what's actually happening at the lake, and what makes Lake Natron both mysterious and scientifically fascinating.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing the Mystery ([02:09–04:54])

• Jade’s Question: Jade sends in a question after seeing a TV show claim that animals turn to stone in Lake Natron.
  • Jade: "How does Lake Natron in Tanzania turn living things to stone? I saw it on a TV show once..." [04:54]
• Molly and Jade discuss how info online can sometimes be true, sometimes not, and how important it is to verify facts.

Meet the Hoax Hunters ([06:35–07:39])

• Mark and Sandon, the fun Hoax Hunters team, are brought in to check out the claim.
• They ham it up with jokes, singing, and pretend confusion over their “cleaning crew” role, setting a playful tone.

Setting the Scene: What is Lake Natron? ([08:42–10:05])

• Lake Natron’s Features: Over 30 miles long, fed by a river and hot springs.
• Water can be hot (over 100°F), sometimes bright red, “like watermelon juice.”
• The color comes from minerals and microbes in the water.

The Viral Myth: "A Lake That Turns Animals to Stone" ([10:10–12:20])

• Clips & Social Media: Audio snippets mimic dramatic social media posts claiming Lake Natron instantly petrifies animals.
  • Mark: “Animals that touch its water, they don't come back. The lake's name is Natron and it literally turns animals into stone.” [10:19]
• Sandon: “If there really was a lake that could turn things into stone instantly, you'd think there'd be videos of this.”

The Science vs. The Myth ([12:20–13:04], [16:44–19:07])

• No instant petrification: While photos show animal “statues,” the calcification only happens after animals die.
• Expert interview: Neovita Sianga (African People and Wildlife) explains:
  • Neovita: “When the animals die in or near the lake, their bodies can be calified or mummified by the sodium carbonate in the water.” [17:07]
  • Neovita: “It's so important to note... it doesn't turn live animals instantly into stones. The calcification happens after the death.” [17:41]
• Mechanism:
  • The highly alkaline, mineral-rich water desiccates (dries out) animal remains over weeks/months/years, preserving them as calcified “statues.”
  • The process is slow—not instant, unlike the myth.

Lake Natron's Vibrant Ecosystem ([19:20–21:12])

• Despite its harsh chemistry, animals not only survive but thrive.
  • Neovita: “The flamingos are the most famous... almost 75% of the global population of these birds depend on this Lake Natron.” [21:01]
• Flamingos & Color: Microbes produce pigments that turn the water red and also help turn flamingos pink when they eat the microbes.
  • Mark: “Lesser flamingos love chilling in Lake Natron. It's like the premier lesser flamingo party destination.” [19:48]
• Certain fish and abundant sugary microbes live there, too.

Environmental Threats & Conservation ([21:22–22:13])

• The lake is threatened by climate change and encroachment.
• Conservationists work with local communities to protect this unique ecosystem.

The Origin of the Lake Natron Hoax ([22:33–28:46])

• Photographer Nick Brandt (2013) is responsible for viral images:
  • He found calcified birds and bats, posed them for photos to look “alive again in death.” The dramatic staged photos went viral, leading people to think petrification is instant.
  • Social media posts shared the images without the photographer’s context, fueling the myth.
• Hoaxbusters’ Advice: Always check your sources!
  • Sandon: “Pictures travel faster than words, especially online... The wilder the picture, the more you should question it.” [28:01]

Extra Science: Phantom Rain ([25:05–25:57])

• A side phenomenon at Lake Natron—rain often evaporates in the heat before hitting the ground, called "phantom rain."

Closing Reactions ([29:18–30:39])

• Jade: “I felt worried for the animals.” Now relieved that many are fine and even flourish at the lake.
• Molly: “Now, knowing that there are actually animals who live there who are happy... how does that make you feel now?"
  Jade: “Excited.” [29:52]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Molly Bloom: “The world is full of wild, hard to believe stories... But what if the wild thing you heard was about a very real place?" [02:09]
• Mark (on skepticism): “Consider me a skeptify.” [11:42]
• Neovita Sianga: “It doesn't turn live animals instantly into stones. The calcification happens after the death, not while they are alive.” [17:41]
• Mark: “The wilder the picture, the more you should question it.” [28:40]
• Jade: “I felt worried for the animals... but now I feel excited.” [29:33–29:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jade poses the episode’s main question: [04:54]
• Introduction of Lake Natron and its features: [08:42–10:05]
• Clips of the viral myth and skepticism: [10:10–12:20]
• Expert science segment with Neovita Sianga: [16:47–19:07]
• Details about the lake’s ecosystem: [19:20–21:12]
• Threats and conservation efforts: [21:22–22:13]
• Origins of the hoax (Nick Brandt photos): [22:33–28:46]
• “Phantom rain” sidebar: [25:05–25:57]
• Co-host reactions and summary: [29:18–30:39]

Tone and Style

The episode is upbeat, fun, and gently skeptical, combining curiosity with fact-checking and a ton of playful, kid-friendly banter. Mark and Sandon’s “Hoax Hunters” segments add humor and encourage critical thinking without ever talking down to the audience.

Takeaways

• Lake Natron does NOT instantly turn living things to stone! Only the remains of dead animals are gradually calcified over time due to special minerals.
• The myth spread because of sensational photos and misunderstanding.
• Lake Natron is a vital habitat for flamingos and other wildlife, its dramatic look due to unique microbes and salts.
• Always check your sources—especially if something sounds unbelievable!

Episode’s Big Lesson

“The wilder the picture, the more you should question it." – Mark [28:40]