Watch "real life" footage of an actual unicorn in the wild. Or possibly, watch footage of a clever viral-marketing ad that shoots whatever was left of our sense of wonder in the face.
The footage is from the Ontario Science Centre, which claims that the picture was taken by a Canadian birdwatcher. And right there we know it can't possibly be real. Unicorns haven't lived in Canada for centuries. They've all migrated South.
Toronto, ON - Amateur video depicting what could be one of the most elusive legendary creatures, the unicorn, has been captured on film by a Toronto resident. The video in question, shot by a local birdwatcher, Peter Hickey-Jones, shows what appears to be a white horse with a single horn on its head emerging from the trees in the Don Valley wetland.
"I was trying to film a pileated woodpecker when I saw what looked like a bright white horse in the distance. When I got a little closer, I noticed the horn on its head. I'm not one to jump to conclusions but I'm certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that what I saw was a unicorn. I'm just glad I got it on film."
Hickey-Jones brought the footage to the Ontario Science Centre to be analyzed by experts. The Science Centre is reviewing the footage frame-by-frame to determine whether Hickey-Jones' claim is legitimate. With closer examination, Science Centre staff is hoping to establish whether or not a genuine unicorn sighting has occurred.
In the meantime, the Science Centre is asking the public to use caution if they think they see a unicorn. Do not make any sudden movements or attempt to use flash photography. Although legends of unicorns state that they are peaceful creatures, scientists worry that they may harm themselves or others if they end up on a road or highway. The Ontario Science Centre has set up an emergency unicorn hotline for the public for further information on unicorns or to report any unusual or questionable sightings. The hotline number is 416-696-3260.
Sadly, after calling the number to talk about Unicorns — because WHO WOULDN'T — I now believe that this is more or less a viral campaign for Science Centre's latest museum exhibit, "Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids," which they outright plug on the phone. Not cool guys, not cool. Here's the video in question. You decide:
[via Geekologie]