In a surprising turn of events, the search for a lioness on the loose near Germany's capital, Berlin, has been called off after authorities found no trace of a big cat in the area. What was initially believed to be a free-roaming lioness turned out to be a wild boar, a common sight in the region. The search began on Thursday after the police force for Brandenburg received a call about a big cat roaming freely in Kleinmachnow, a southwestern suburb of Berlin.

The investigation began based on a video of the sighting provided by the caller, which led investigators to believe that the animal in question was a female lion. Authorities issued warnings to residents in the area, urging them to stay indoors and keep their pets inside. The search effort involved more than 100 police officers, veterinarians, hunters, drones, and helicopters, with riot police deployed to protect the local population.

Despite the extensive search, no evidence of a lioness was found. Experts who analyzed the video concluded that the animal's rounded back and thick legs resembled those of a wild boar rather than a lioness. Kleinmachnow Mayor Michael Grubert confirmed that the search had turned up no evidence of a lioness or any other wild creature, stating that the situation posed no immediate danger to the area.

The origin of the reported lioness remains unknown, as no circuses, zoos, or wildlife refuges in the area reported an escaped animal. The cost of the search efforts is undisclosed, but Mayor Grubert defended the operation, stating that the potential danger justified the deployment of resources.

While the situation caused alarm and prompted warnings to the public, life in Kleinmachnow appeared to continue as normal. Child daycare centers remained open, although children were not allowed in the outside yards, and the town hall remained operational. Traders at the local market were advised not to set up stalls.

The incident sparked discussion online, with some expressing doubts about the animal's identity in the video. However, the police maintained that the evidence suggested it was a lioness. In a lighthearted response, the Twitter page for Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway operator, reminded users that larger pets, "other than companion lions," need their own train passes.

While the search for the lioness may have ended in disappointment, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in handling potential wildlife encounters. The authorities and residents of Kleinmachnow can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their community is safe from the threat of a roaming lioness.