Animals and Men - No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Eleven
Date: 1996
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.00

This issue of 'Animals & Men', The Journal of the Centre for Fortean Zoology, presents a wide array of intriguing and often unusual topics, reflecting its fortean and cryptozoological focus. The cover boldly announces features on "Wondrous Walruses; Initial Bipedalism; Mystery Whales; The Loch Lochy Monster; Ground Sloth Survival in North America."

Editorial and Staff

The editorial, titled "THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY ARE NOT DONE," penned by Jonathan Downes (Editor), addresses personal changes, specifically his divorce from Alison, and the consequent restructuring at The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). Graham Inglis has been appointed Assistant Director, and new projects have been launched. Downes expresses gratitude to the readership and team for their support during a difficult period. He also humorously notes an "utterly libellous picture" of himself being carried away by a giant eagle, drawn by Mr. Naish, an artist and cryptocetologist.

The editorial team includes Graham Inglis (Deputy Editor), Jan Williams (Newsfile Editor), and Mark North (Artist). Consultants include Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans (Honorary Consulting Editor), Dr. Karl P.N. Shuka (Cryptozoological Consultant), C.H. Kocling (Zoological Consultant), and Tony 'Doc' Shiks (Sumcalchemist in Residence). The magazine also lists regional representatives across the UK and Europe, as well as in Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand.

Contents Overview

The issue features a diverse range of articles and news items, including:

• Editorial
• Newsfile
• New Projects
• "I am the walrus"
• Ground Sloth Survival
• Initial Bipedalism
• "Is there life on Mars?"
• Whales in Limbo
• The Loch Lochy Monster
• "Now that's what I call Crypto"
• North of the Border
• Letters
• Omens of Misfortune
• Book Reviews
• Crypto Shop
• Periodical Reviews
• Cartoon

Key Articles and News Items

Newsfile Extra: Birds of a Feather

This significant article discusses the discovery of a new fossil from Liaoning Province, China, of a small, meat-eating dinosaur named *Sinosauropteryx prima*. This theropod, dating from the Lower Cretaceous (approx. 135 million years old), exhibits evidence of feathers, suggesting that feathers appeared long before birds themselves. Dr. Phil Currie verified the fossil, which shows short feathers preserved over most of the body. The discovery supports the idea that birds are flying dinosaurs and raises questions about the original purpose of feathers (e.g., insulation) and whether they were widespread among dinosaurs.

Wondrous Walruses; Initial Bipedalism; Mystery Whales; The Loch Lochy Monster; Ground Sloth Survival in North America.

While not detailed as separate articles in the provided pages, these topics are highlighted on the cover, indicating their presence as key themes within the issue. The content pages reveal specific stories related to some of these:

• Man Eating Wolves: Reports from Uttar Pradesh, India, detail killings of children attributed to wolves, with some villagers claiming werewolves are responsible. Modern research suggests wolf attacks are rare, except in cases of rabies.
• The Loch Lochy Monster: Mentioned on the cover and in the contents, but no specific details are visible in the provided pages.
• Ground Sloth Survival: Also on the cover and in the contents, but no specific details are visible.
• Mystery Whales: Mentioned on the cover and in the contents. Page 4 briefly mentions "Whales in Limbo."
• Initial Bipedalism: Mentioned on the cover and in the contents. Page 4 includes a short piece on this topic.

Other Sections and Short Reports:

• ATTACKS - RELEASE THE BATS (2): In El Pozon, San Salvador, vampire bat attacks on villagers are attributed to a lack of normal food sources.
• ESCAPEES - FOLLOWING IN BERT'S FOOTSTEPS: Two capybaras escaped from captivity: one from Malvern Zoo and another from a diabetes research farm run by Oxford University.
• THE EAGLE HAS(N'T) LANDED: A rare Russian Steppe Eagle named Olga escaped from the UK Falconry Centre.
• GREAT SNAKES! A Royal Python caused a disturbance on a British Airways flight after being smuggled through Heathrow Airport.
• RUDOLPH STRIKES BACK: A reindeer named Marmite got its antlers tangled in a washing line in Devon.
• AVIAN ANOMALIES - BLOWING IN THE WIND: Rare birds were blown to the westcountry by south westerly gales.
• COME IN NUMBER 57 YOUR TIME IS...: A female fulmar, Number 57, is identified as the oldest known bird to survive in the wild.
• DEAD PELICANS SOCIETY: Thousands of pelicans and other sea birds are being killed at the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge due to pesticide use.
• OUT OF PLACE - FERRETING OUT THE TRUTH: The Vincent Wildlife Trust reports that Britain's Polecat population is expanding rapidly.
• IN THE SOUP: Whale sharks are facing extinction due to exploitative fishing by Chinese fishermen.
• MISSING LYNX: A 20lb Bobcat caused a commotion in a carpet warehouse in Dalton, Georgia.
• MYSTERY CATS - Buckinghamshire: A cat-like animal, possibly a puma, was sighted near Akeley.
• BEASTS OF DORSET SIGHTINGS: A map and several reports detail sightings of large, cat-like animals in Dorset, UK.
• RESCUES - MONKEY MAMA: A female gorilla, Binti Jua, rescued a three-year-old boy who fell into her enclosure at Brookfield Zoo, Illinois. Anthropologists debate whether this was maternal instinct or a result of her being hand-reared.
• GOING TO THE DOGS: Two stray dogs are credited with saving a ten-year-old boy lost in the woods.
• THE RETURN OF FLIPPER: Discusses dolphin rescues, referencing the TV series 'Flipper' and a real-life incident where Bottle-Nosed Dolphins rescued a tourist attacked by a shark in the Red Sea.
• ANOTHER WONDER DOG: An Irish Setter named Lyric saved its mistress by alerting help when her oxygen mask became unplugged.
• OTHER STORIES (WHICH DON'T FIT INTO ANY ESTABLISHED CATEGORY):
• FISHMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE?: Reports on a family in the Philippines claiming their children can breathe underwater through 'gill slits'.
• GET AHEAD IN GIBRALTAR: A Neanderthal skull found in Gibraltar suggests they survived later in southern Spain and Gibraltar, possibly as a last refuge.
• I'D RATHER BE A LEMMING...: Reports on suicidal walruses in Alaska, with sixty males plunging to their death from a cliff.
• ART FOR ART'S SAKE: Discusses the trend of animal mutilation in art, citing an artist who dipped live mice in resin.
• TALK TO THE ANIMALS: Researchers at Toledo Zoo are recording sounds made by hippos to study their language.

Subscriptions and Contact Information

Subscription rates are provided for a four-issue subscription: £8.00 UK, £9.00 EEC, £12.00 US, CANADA, OZ, NZ (Surface Mail), £14.00 US, CANADA, OZ, NZ (Air Mail), and £15.00 Rest of World (Air Mail). The Centre for Fortean Zoology is located at 15 Holne Court, Exwick, Exeter, EX4 2NA, with telephone number 01392 424811 and fax 01392 496896.

Disclaimer

The views published in articles and letters are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team. They take no responsibility for defamatory content or copyright infringement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Animals & Men' continues its established tradition of exploring the unusual, the unexplained, and the fringe aspects of zoology and natural history. Recurring themes include cryptozoology (Loch Lochy Monster, mystery cats, ground sloths), animal behavior anomalies (escaped animals, unusual rescues, suicidal walruses), and the intersection of folklore and scientific discovery (werewolves, feathered dinosaurs). The editorial stance, as indicated by Jonathan Downes, is one of open inquiry, personal reflection, and a commitment to presenting diverse and often controversial topics, while maintaining a sense of community and gratitude towards its readership. The magazine also demonstrates a critical eye towards sensationalized reporting, as seen in the "Dog Telephones 911" item.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eleven
Date: 1996

This issue of "Animals & Men" explores a range of fascinating topics, from evolutionary biology to cryptozoology and fortean phenomena. It features articles on the significance of feathers in evolutionary history, detailed accounts of walrus sightings and history in British waters, and an investigation into the potential survival of ground sloths in North America based on indigenous legends.

Evolutionary Significance of Feathers

The cover story discusses the implications of discovering feathers in a compsognathid. This finding suggests that feathers were present in the common ancestor of compsognathids and living birds, indicating a significant evolutionary link. The diagram illustrates the evolutionary timeline, highlighting the relationship between various dinosaur species and modern birds.

Newsfile and Editorial Notes

The "Newsfile Correspondents" list includes Mark North, Chris Moiser, Tom Anderson, Darren Naish, John Allegri, Sally Parsons, Ginny Ware, and COUDi. An editorial note dedicates the issue to the memory of Frank Gibbons, a long-time mainstay of the South West Herpetological Society, and also remembers Tony Shiels' mother and Jessica Mitford. The author expresses the loss felt by the passing of these individuals.

Centre for Fortean Zoology Projects

"NEW PROJECTS FROM THE CENTRE FOR FORTEAN ZOOLOGY" announces the availability of "Research Kits" from their archives. The Fortean Zoological archives have been expanding, and the centre is now cataloguing them to provide photocopies of material on topics like B.H.M. and Lake Monsters at a nominal cost. They also offer the database on disc for Amiga computers. The centre is also expanding its web site, set to launch in early 1997.

New Magazine: 'The Goblin Universe'

A new sister magazine, "The Goblin Universe," has been launched, focusing on non-zoological fortean phenomena. It is described as being in a similar style to "Animals & Men" and features many of the same writers. Subscription rates are the same, with a special introductory offer for "Animals & Men" subscribers. A combined subscription offer for both magazines is available until December 31st, 1996.

The first issue of "The Goblin Universe" includes articles on Cattle Mutilation, secret government projects, Cornish witches, and the "weirdest village in the south-west."

1997 Yearbook and Other Publications

The 1997 Yearbook is nearing completion and is described as bigger and better than previous editions. Details of its contents are available elsewhere in the magazine. Clinton Keeling's book, "The Owlman and Others," is also available.

The magazine is also involved with the Exeter Strange Phenomena (ESP) Research Group, producing a newsletter called "The EXE Files."

Price Increase

Due to increased printing and postage costs, the price of "Animals & Men" has increased by 25p per copy.

I AM THE WALRUS

This section features several articles about walruses. The headline is inspired by a Beatles song, and the content includes a miscellany of articles on the subject.

The Norfolk Walrus

By Justin Boote, this article details a walrus sighting on the north coast of Norfolk in 1981. The walrus was first spotted off the Lincolnshire coast, then entered the River Ouse at Kings Lynn and traveled 15 miles inland. It attracted a large crowd and attempts were made to capture it. Eventually, the walrus was captured at Skegness, identified as the Atlantic species, and returned to its native Greenland.

An editor's note highlights discrepancies between Justin Boote's account and a newspaper report about 'Wally the walrus' from the same year, suggesting the possibility of two walruses in East Anglia, which is considered a fortean event.

The Whale-Horse

By Clinton Keeling, this article explains that the popular name "Whale Horse" for seals comes from two Norse words. It mentions that England's first living walrus, exhibited as a "zoological specimen," was during the reign of Alfred the Great (871-899), though details about its care and lifespan are unknown. The article notes that walruses have not thrived in British zoological gardens, unlike in places like the New York Aquarium and Hamburg Zoological Garden.

Walrus Sightings in British Isles

This section, accompanied by a map, details historical walrus sightings in the British Isles. It mentions a walrus in the days of James I, shown in London. In 1853, a young female walrus arrived at the London Zoological Garden and died the next day. In 1867, a young male walrus was purchased for £200 and was transferred to London under the care of A.D. Bartlett. The article notes that walruses have never thrived in British zoos. It also mentions a friend of the author who worked with walruses in Hamburg.

Walruses in Time and Space

By Darren Naish, this article discusses the taxonomy and distribution of walruses, including the Atlantic and Pacific species and the debated Laptev Sea population. It traces the evolutionary history of walruses, from early dusignathines to modern Odobenus, noting their migration from the Pacific to the Atlantic. The article highlights that Pleistocene fossils of the living walrus are found on both sides of the Atlantic. It also mentions historical sightings of walruses as far south as the Carolinas and Paris, and their regular occurrence in the Arctic and as vagrants in European regions. Specific historical records of walrus visits to the British Isles are listed, including sightings in the Thames (1456), Orkneys (1527), Severn (1839), and Shannon, Ireland (1897), with a majority from the Scottish coasts. The article also details the well-known case of 'Wally' in 1981, a young male walrus with a broken left tusk that made several stops along the English coast before being captured and flown to Iceland.

Ground Sloth Survival in North America

By Ben S. Roesch, this article investigates the possibility that ground sloths, believed to have gone extinct 10,000 years ago, may have survived in North America. The article discusses the characteristics of ground sloths and their origins in South America.

Micmac Legends of 'Giant Squirrels'

The article examines Michael Bradley's report from the traditions of the Micmac Indians of Nova Scotia. These legends speak of "giant squirrels" that descended on villages to eat bark teepees. Roesch suggests that these "giant squirrels" could be interpreted as ground sloths, given their diet of bark and vegetation and their appearance. This interpretation challenges the accepted extinction timeline.

Tutchone Traditions of the 'Saytochin' or 'Beaver Eater'

The article then explores traditions from the Northern Tutchone nation of the Yukon, Canada. Ms. Dawn Charlie recounts stories of a creature called the 'saytochin' or 'Beaver Eater'. While ground sloths are known to be vegetarian, the 'Beaver Eater' is described as eating beavers. Roesch hypothesizes that the creature might have been after the vegetation (bark and branches) used by beavers to build their lodges, thus consuming a "salad" rather than the beavers themselves. Recent reports of the 'saytochin' from the 1980s are also discussed, with descriptions of an animal eight or nine feet high, larger than a grizzly bear. The article concludes that these accounts strongly suggest the survival of ground sloths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of zoology, paleontology, and fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained or unusual occurrences, particularly those related to animals and their potential survival beyond accepted scientific timelines. The magazine encourages readers to consider evidence from folklore and eyewitness accounts alongside scientific data, highlighting cases that challenge conventional understanding. The dedication to Frank Gibbons suggests a connection to the herpetological community and a broader interest in natural history and its mysteries.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eleven
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Article 1: Ground Sloths and Sasquatch

This article explores the possibility that some North American Bigfoot or Sasquatch reports might actually be misidentified ground sloths. The author cites Tutchone legends from the Yukon that suggest giant sloths could still be resident in the area. Evidence presented includes:

1. Physical Appearance: Ground sloths could stand upright on their hind legs, resembling a bear, and their hairy bodies could lead to misidentification.
2. Mapinguari Comparison: The Mapinguari of the Brazilian Amazon, once thought to be a sasquatch-like creature, is now considered by researchers like David Oren to be a ground sloth. This creature is also known for possessing a strong smell.
3. Smell Reports: Approximately 5.6% of North American sasquatch reports mention a nauseating or overwhelming stench, a trait also attributed to the Mapinguari.

The author acknowledges that this is an "open-minded theory" and faces challenges, such as how such large, slow animals could avoid detection. The possibility of a small population or adept hiding abilities is raised. The article also mentions Roger Patterson's famous film and a 'dog rolling in wet manure' smell associated with the alleged sasquatch, which complicates the ground sloth theory if the film is not a hoax.

An interesting report from Don Peterson, published in the American Sasquatch newsletter Track Record, is discussed. Peterson recounted a discussion about a creature that "sounded like a South American ground-sloth walking upright" being driven out of a woods area in northern Minnesota. However, the author expresses skepticism about Peterson's reliability, noting his mention of the National Inquirer and his association with Ray Wallace, who is suspected of hoaxing sasquatch photos. The report is considered "food for thought" pending more reliable information.

Article 2: Initial Bipedalism: A Theory of Human Evolution

Authored by Francois de Sarre, this article challenges the conventional anthropological view of human evolution, particularly the idea that humans evolved from ape-like quadrupeds. The author argues that this narrative has been "invented" and imposed through scholarly precepts.

Key points of Sarre's theory include:

• Rejection of Simian Ancestry: The author disputes the notion that humans descended from monkeys, suggesting that apes like Proconsul or Australopithecus ramidus might have retained relict human features due to specialization in arboreal existence.
• Apes as Vestiges: Apes should be considered as "vestiges of the human lineage, rather than as our antecedents."
• Bipedal Gait as Earliest Form: The article posits that bipedalism was the earliest form of mammalian locomotion, contradicting the paleontological view that humans evolved from early quadrupeds.
• Embryological Evidence: Sarre relies on embryology and comparative anatomy, stating that direct observation of biological material reveals our origins. He argues that humans and quadrupedal mammals stem from a "very primitive stock of bipedal mammals."
• Skull Basis Development (Figure One): The article discusses the bending of the skull basis. It presents Figure One, based on L. Bolk (1926), showing that the typical human bending of the skull basis is a prior phase in mammalian embryogenesis. In quadrupedal mammals, the skull basis forms a horizontal deck, while in humans, the volume and weight of a large brain lock the bent skull base into its original embryonic position, facilitating an upright stance.
• Foetal Development (Figure Two & Three): Figures Two and Three, based on work by Adolf Schultz, compare the foetal and adult proportions of humans and various apes. Figure Two shows a monkey foetus resembling a human foetus, and Figure Three illustrates bodily proportions. Sarre uses this to argue that human evolution did not pass through a stage like that of tree-dwelling apes, and that simians appear to have originated from a form similar to our own body shape.
• Critique of Fossil 'Ancestors': The author criticizes the scientific community for presenting "intangible proofs" of evolution from monkeys, stating that 'Lucy' (Australopithecus) is "no more than an ape."

Sarre suggests that de-humanized forms like australopithecines are a result of over-specialization to arboreal life and that the idea of Man's Simian ancestry will eventually be relegated to "forgotten archives of natural history."

Article 3: Xenobiology: Life on Mars?

Authored by Graham Inglis, this section discusses the first indications that life may have existed on a planet other than Earth, stemming from a NASA study of a pear-sized Antarctic meteorite, ALH 84001, believed to have originated from Mars.

Key findings and suggestions:

• Bacterial Life on Mars: It is suggested that bacteria-like life developed on Mars three billion years ago, around the same time life is believed to have begun on Earth, but later "fizzled out."
• Meteorite Origin: Most meteorites are primordial remnants from the solar system's formation. ALH 84001 is estimated to have been scattered into space by an asteroid impact on Mars about 16 million years ago, encountering Earth about 13,000 years ago.
• Indicators of Ancient Life: Three possible indicators were found within the meteorite:
• Microscopic elongated tube-like structures, possibly fossils of bacteria-like entities.
• Deposits of carbonate, a mineral product associated with Earth bacteria and geological processes.
• Aromatic hydrocarbons, organic molecules produced by bacteria and stellar evolution.
• Significance of Combined Evidence: While individually inconclusive, the presence of all three indicators in one rock provides the best evidence yet for extraterrestrial life.
• Seeding Earth Hypothesis: Astronomers Hoyle and Wickramasinge have suggested that an earlier rock-borne visitation could have seeded Earth with its life, implying that humans might be "Martians" or descendants of "long-lost brethren."

Article 4: Multitudinous Enigmatic Cetaceans, Or "Whales in Limbo"

This is Part 4 of a 7-part series by Darren Naish, focusing on cryptozoology and the study of unusual or unidentified marine animals, specifically cetaceans.

Key themes and examples discussed:

• Cryptozoology's Focus: The science is described as narrow-minded, focusing on the "mere identity of animals that people have seen," often unique creatures rather than variations within known groups.
• Challenges in Identification: Field identification of known cetaceans is already difficult, and poor sighting records for cryptocetaceans exacerbate these challenges.
• Diversity of Fins: The article examines reports of cetaceans with unusual fin structures, such as a sperm whale with a tall dorsal fin.
• Physeter tursio: Described by Sir Robert Sibbald in the 17th century off the Shetland Islands, this animal was approximately 15m long and had a tall dorsal fin. It was treated as a species by Carl von Linne.
• Two-Finned Dolphins: Reports of dolphins with two dorsal fins are discussed, including a case from Cornwall in 1857. The article mentions the work of Michel Raynal and Jean-Pierre Sylvestre in reviewing such reports.
• Delphinus rhinoceros: Described by French naturalists Quoy and Gaimard between Hawaii and Australia in 1819, these were approximately double the size of a porpoise, marked with black and white spots, and possessed two curved dorsal fins. Raynal and Sylvestre proposed the name *Cetodipterus*.
• Amphiptera pacifica: A two-finned mysticete (baleen whale) sighted between Peru and Chile in 1867 by Enrico Hillyer Giglioli. It was approximately 18m long, lacked throat grooves, and had two dorsal fins. Giglioli suggested creating the subfamily *Amphipterinae*.
• Morzer Bruyns and his Cryptocetaceans: The article highlights the work of W.F.J. Morzer Bruyns, who presented four "unknown" whales as potential new species.
• Alula Whale: Described by Bruyns in the eastern Gulf of Aden, this was a large, orca-like dolphin, 6-7m long, sepia brown with star-shaped scars and a prominent dorsal fin. Several officers reportedly witnessed and sketched these whales.
• Greek Dolphin: The article notes the taxonomic complexity of the *Stenella* genus of dolphins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Animals & Men" appears to adopt a stance that is open to unconventional theories and challenges established scientific paradigms, particularly in the fields of cryptozoology and evolutionary biology. The articles present speculative ideas, such as ground sloths being mistaken for Sasquatch and a re-evaluation of human evolutionary origins, supported by historical accounts, anecdotal evidence, and interpretations of scientific data. There is a clear interest in exploring the unexplained and questioning mainstream scientific consensus, as seen in the discussions on cryptocetaceans and potential extraterrestrial life. The editorial tone seems to encourage critical thinking and the consideration of alternative explanations for phenomena that are not fully understood by current science.

Animals & Men, Issue Eleven, is a publication dedicated to exploring the intersection of zoology, cryptozoology, and unexplained phenomena. The issue features a diverse range of articles, reviews, and letters, with a strong emphasis on marine mammals and cryptids.

New Dolphin Species and Identification Challenges

The issue begins by examining claims made by researcher Morzer Bruyns regarding the identification of several new dolphin species. The article discusses the 'Greek dolphin,' the 'Senegal dolphin,' and the 'Iligan dolphin,' noting the difficulties in distinguishing between similar species and questioning the robustness of Bruyns' field identifications. The author expresses skepticism about recognizing distinct forms based solely on field observations, especially when variations within known species are significant.

The Elusive Ziphiids

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to ziphiid whales, also known as beaked whales, which are described as the most elusive and poorly known cetaceans due to their deep-sea habitat. The article highlights that seven new species have been named in recent times, indicating ongoing discoveries in this field. It discusses the case of Longman's beaked whale, which was initially known only from skeletal remains, and speculates whether certain sightings might correspond to this species. Examples include two large mesoplodonts seen near the Seychelles and rust-brown ziphiids observed by Morzer Bruyns in the Gulf of Aden.

The article also details the ongoing research into an unidentified beaked whale species observed in the eastern Pacific, described as measuring 5-5.5m. This animal is considered well-documented, potentially representing a new species or subspecies. Further complications arise from the possibility that other reported whales, such as those from the Seychelles, Gulf of Aden, and Christmas Island, might also be Longman's beaked whales, or other unidentified ziphiids.

Fortean Phenomena and Book Reviews

The magazine features a section on 'Omens of Misfortune?' by Neil Arnold, which explores tales of unfamiliar and spectral creatures, linking them to folklore and potential spiritual or extraterrestrial influences. The article discusses phenomena like Black Dogs and Mothman, suggesting they might be manifestations of emotional states or misidentifications of natural phenomena.

Several book reviews are included:

• 'THE UNEXPLAINED' by Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker: Praised as a superb and essential book that presents scientific analysis of phenomena like crop circles, vampires, and UFOs. The reviewer notes that Shuker, a prominent cryptozoologist, has presented new information even to seasoned collectors.
• 'THE ASHOVER ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN: The True Story' by Clinton Keeling: Described as a cathartic and positive autobiography of a remarkable man who struggled against bureaucracy and apathy to establish a unique zoo. The reviewer found the book uplifting.
• 'Sea Head Lines' by Tony 'Doc' Shiels: A collection of writings and drawings by a surrealist artist, exploring themes of sea monsters and sensuality. The book is highly recommended.
• 'Biological Anomalies: Mammals 1' by William Corliss (Ed.): This sourcebook is lauded for cataloging scientific anomalies, particularly in zoology, providing an invaluable reference for researchers. It is divided into categories of external appearance, behavior, and unusual talents.
• 'Quaggas and other Zebras' by David Barnaby: A book praised for its style and humor, surpassing the author's previous works and focusing on the Quagga.

Letters to the Editor and Columns

The 'Letters to the Editor' section includes correspondence on various topics:

• Sunila sen Gupta comments on wild boars in Switzerland, a personal anecdote about a 'green tit,' and expresses strong support for the 'Now that's what I call crypto' column.
• Clinton Keeling shares an anecdote about unhelpful staff at the British Museum (Natural History) and a similar experience at the Kent County Record Office, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in professional environments.
• Steve Johnson from Wolverhampton discusses the increasing adoption of 'Market Forces' economics in politics and its environmental consequences, urging a consideration of quality of life over mere stability.

Neil Nixon's column, "NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL CRYPTO," analyzes the song 'Monster' by the band America, interpreting its lyrics as a metaphor for life's riddles and choices.

Tom Anderson's "NORTH OF THE BORDER" column touches upon unusual occurrences in Scotland, including a cheetah's sedentary lifestyle at Edinburgh Zoo, a stranded leatherback turtle, and strange marine activity around the Orkneys, suggesting a long-term pattern emerging.

Editorial Notes and Recurring Themes

An editorial note highlights the origin of Sunila sen Gupta's cartoon and mentions the 'Moth Menace' and climate change. Another note announces a competition to win a copy of the 'Sea Heads' book and a subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the boundaries of known science, giving voice to cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and unexplained animal sightings. There is a critical stance towards institutional unhelpfulness (e.g., the British Museum) and a concern for the environmental and societal impacts of unchecked economic policies ('Market Forces'). The editorial team appears open to exploring unconventional ideas and providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts in these niche fields. The recurring 'Now that's what I call crypto' column suggests a playful yet analytical approach to popular culture and its connection to mysterious themes.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: Issue Eleven
Date: November 1996

This issue of "Animals & Men" is a rich compilation of reviews and information centered around cryptozoology, natural history, and fortean phenomena. It functions as a catalog of books and periodicals, offering detailed descriptions and often enthusiastic recommendations for readers interested in the unusual and unexplained.

Book Reviews and New Publications

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to reviewing and listing new and second-hand books. Several sections are dedicated to specific publishers or themes:

New Books from Publishers:

• David Barnaby's "The Elephant that walked to Manchester" (66pp Pb) is a small book detailing the sale of Wombwell's Menagerie in 1872 and the Maharajah elephant's journey to Manchester. It's autographed by the author and offered at a reduced price.
• David Barnaby & Clive Bennett's "The Reptiles of Belle Vue 1950-77" (156pp A4 pb) offers insights into the reptile department of Manchester's Belle Vue Zoo, with anecdotal evidence of exotic reptiles in Britain.
• David Barnaby's "Quaggas and other zebras" is described as a superb book about an extinct animal and efforts to reconstitute the species. It has a special offer price until December 22nd.
• D. Farrant's "Beyond the Highgate Vampire" (43pp 1992) is an autographed personal history of the phenomenon.
• Richard Green's "Wild Cat Species of the world" (163pp Pb) is highly recommended as the best book on felidae since Guggisberg.
• Dr. Lars Thomas' "Ordbog Over europiske dyr" (Pb 180 pp) is a Danish book listing common names of European mammals, birds, and fish, described as essential.
• Dr. K.P.N. Shuker's "IN SEARCH OF PREHISTORIC SURVIVORS" (192pp hb) is hailed as a highly important book on general cryptozoology, presenting evidence for the survival of dozens of species.
• Dr. K.P.N. Shuker's "THE LOST ARK - NEW AND REDISCOVERED SPECIES OF THE 20TH CENTURY" (hb) is a lavishly illustrated book for those interested in zoological advances.
• Dr. K.P.N. Shuker's "The Unexplained" is recommended as possibly the best general forteana book in years.
• Dr. B. Heuvelmans' "ON THE TRACK OF UNKNOWN ANIMALS" (Hb 677pp) is a classic work defining cryptozoology methodology, now available with a new introduction and illustrations.
• Sir C. Lever's "They Dined on Eland" is an investigation into the 19th Century Acclimatisation Society.
• R. Carter's "Loch Ness the Tour" (22pp 1996) is a useful guidebook.
• T.N. Steenburg's "Sasquatch; Bigfoot The continuing Mystery" is reviewed positively for those interested in North American BHM phenomena.

Second Hand Books:

This section offers a wide array of older books, often with descriptions highlighting their rarity or unique content:

• D. Attenborough's "Zoo Quest to Guiana" (1956) is praised for its zoological information.
• M. Bates' "The Forest and the Sea" (1960) is noted for its North American ecology content.
• C. Berlitz's "The Bermuda Triangle" (1996 Ed.) and "Mysteries from forgotten world" are reviewed with some skepticism but noted for their entertainment value.
• R.J. Binns' "The Loch Ness Mystery Solved" (1983) is described as a sought-after book.
• J. and C. Bord's "The Evidence for Bigfoot and other man beasts" (1984) is called a super book on North American and other man-beasts, increasingly sought after.
• L.G. Bottriel's "Umbalala" details the African leopard and its relationship to the wild.
• Richard Carrington's "Mermainds and Mastodons" (1961 Ed.) is an excellent book with numerous illustrations.
• Loren Coleman's "Tom Slick and the search for the Yeti" (1989) is an excellent work on an unusual aspect of cryptozoology.
• B. Cox's "Prehistoric Animals" (pb 150pp 1969) is an excellent pocket guide.
• F. Cawson's "The Monsters in the Mind" (1995) offers a scholarly examination of the human need for 'monsters'.
• Arthur C. Clark's "Astounding Days" (1989) is an autobiography filled with fortean snippets.
• Michaela Denis' "Leopard in my Lap" is a heartwarming memoir from a zoologist and film maker.
• T. Dinsdale's "The Story of The Loch Ness Monster" (1973) is a noted book.
• V.B. Droscher's "The magic of the senses" is a fascinating look at animal behavior and senses.
• C. Fort's "New Lands" (1974) is described as essential reading.
• P. Haining's "The Ancient Mysteries Reader Book 1" is an anthology of short stories.
• A. Harmsworth's "Loch Ness - The Monster" is a full-colour booklet.
• F. Hitching's "World Atlas of Mysteries" (1980) is praised as a favorite book on general forteana and mysteries.
• Ted Holiday's "The Great Orm of Loch Ness" (1970) is a classic book on the subject.
• Howell & Ford's "The true history of the Elephant Man" (Pb. 1980 ed.) is noted as excellent and difficult to find.
• R. Izzard's "The Abominable Snowman adventure" (1st Ed. 1955) is rare and sought after.
• A.K.T. Jeffrey's "The Bermuda Triangle" (1975pb) is called entertaining nonsense.
• Ken Jones' "Orphans of the Sea" is the story of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
• A.P.M. Lockwood's "Animal Body Fluids and their regulation" is scholarly and interesting.
• Desmond Morris' "Catlore" is a sequel to "Catwatching".
• Desmond Morris' "Dogwatching" is an essential guide to dog behavior.
• Tony "Doc" Shiels' "13" (1967) is a very rare book of magic.

Special Offers:

• Dimitri Bayanov's "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE RUSSIAN SNOWMAN" is available for £10.00, with very limited supplies.

Periodical Reviews

The magazine also reviews a wide range of periodicals, categorized by their subject matter:

Cryptozoology and Zoomythology:

• Dragon Chronicle: A collection of draconian topics, published four times a year.
• The British Columbia Cryptozoology Club Newsletter: Excellent and well-put-together, also available online.
• Creature Research Journal: Devoted to Pennsylvania Bigfoot reports.
• Cryptozoologia: A French-language magazine from Belgium.
• Cryptozoology Review: An excellent new publication on cryptozoology.
• Exotic Zoology: A free newsletter with information on new and rediscovered species.

Fringe Science:

• Science Frontiers: Newsletter of William Corliss' invaluable Sourcebook Project.
• Nexus: An intelligent look at the fringes of science.

Fortean/Earth Mysteries/Folklore:

• Tems News: An entertaining collection of odds and sods.
• Cover Up: Magazine of the Lothian Unexplained Phenomena Research group.
• Delve: A fortean magazine featuring an article on the flying snake of Namibia.
• 3rd Stone: Magazine of the Gloucester Earth Mysteries Group.
• Dead of Night: An amusing and intelligently put together fortean magazine.
• de Ville's Advocate: A highly entertaining philosophical/fortean magazine, including articles on UFO sightings and cryptozoological analysis.

Zoology/Natural History:

• Herp Life: A newsletter from the South Western Herpetological Society.
• Bipedia: A scholarly magazine exploring the theory of Initial Bipedalism.
• Milton Keynes Herpetological Society: A magazine with hints, articles, and news.
• Mainly About Animals: Edited by a Vacran Zoologist, this magazine focuses on animals.
• Essex Reptiles and Amphibians Society: A regional reptile society.
• National Association of Private Animal Keepers: A publication on wild animal husbandry.
• The Mane, Wild Equid Society: A journal about wild horses and their relatives.

Miscellaneous:

• Network News: Covers anarchism, earth mysteries, weirdness, and cryptozoology.
• Pendragon: A scholarly and entertaining magazine on Arthurian topics.

Fortean Times Publications

The issue also lists several compilations from "Fortean Times" magazine, offering "10% Off the Publishers Price" on these volumes:

• Fortean Times 1-15 'Yesterdays News Tomorrow'
• Fortean Times 16-25 'Diary of a Mad Planet'
• Fortean Times 26-30 'Seeing out the seventies'
• Fortean Times 31-36 'Gateways to Mystery'
• Fortean Times 37-41 'Heavens reprimands'
• Fortean Times 42-46 'If Pigs could Fly'
• Fortean Times 47-51 'Fishy Yarns'
• Fortean Studies Volume One
• Fortean Studies Volume Two

Music

Jon Downes & The Amphibians From Outer Space is mentioned as the world's only fortean rock band, with two available recordings: "The Case" (CD/Cassette) and "Contractual Obligations" (Cassette).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly cryptozoology, fortean phenomena, and natural history, with a strong emphasis on book and periodical reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic support for these subjects, often using superlatives like "excellent," "highly recommended," and "unmissable" when describing publications. The magazine acts as a valuable resource for enthusiasts, providing a curated list of literature and a platform for sharing information within these niche communities. The inclusion of special offers and details on back issues suggests an effort to engage readers and encourage participation.