Animals and Men - No 13

Magazine Overview

'Animals & Men' is a publication from The Centre for Fortean Zoology, presented here as Issue 13, marking its fourth year of publication. The editorial team includes Jonathan Downes (Editor), Graham Inglis (Newsfile Editor/Spin Doctor), Jan Williams (Associate Editor), Mark North (Artist), Richard Muirhead (Newsagent from Nowhere), Special Agent Tina Askew, and Alyson Diffey (Editorial Assistant and Medium). The magazine features a diverse range of consultants and regional representatives across the UK and internationally, specializing in cryptozoological, zoological, palaeontological, and surrealist fields.

The cover of this issue features a striking cartoon illustration of a whimsical, monstrous creature and highlights several intriguing articles, including "Molly the Singing Oyster," "A Plethora of Pangolins," "Mystery Cats in Yorkshire," "The Barking Beast of Bath," and "Moby the Great Sperm Whale."

Editorial

The editorial, titled "THE GREAT DAYS OF ZOOLOGY ARE NOT DONE...", welcomes readers to another issue, noting the magazine's continued strength into its fourth year. The editor expresses apologies for delays in delivering the 1997 Yearbook and the book 'The Owiman and Others', confirming that the magazine's timeline is now back on schedule. A fortnightly radio show, 'Weird about The West', broadcast on BBC Radio Devon, is mentioned, featuring various names familiar to the magazine's readership. The editorial also recounts the 'Animals & Men' team's recent television appearance on a discussion programme about cryptozoology. The editor expresses gratitude to an unnamed individual whose efforts have been crucial in saving and improving the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). Graham Inglis is specifically praised for his contributions and his election as Chairman of the Exeter Greenpeace Support Group. The editorial anticipates several events and new projects in the coming months.

Contents

The 'Contents' section provides a detailed list of articles and features in Issue 13:

• Editorial
• NEWSFILE: A compilation of news items.
• Moby The Sperm Whale: Two articles by Tony 'Doc' Shiels and Tom Anderson.
• A Plethora of Pangolins: Articles by Tom Anderson, Richard Freeman, Clinton Keeling, and Jon Downes.
• The Barking Beast of Bath: By Terry Hooper.
• Yorkshire Alien Big Cats: Two articles by Richard Freeman and Henry Moncrieff.
• Leatherback Turtles in Denmark: By Lars Thomas.
• North of the Border: By Tom Anderson.
• Molly the Singing Oyster: By Karl Shuker.
• The Singing Mouse Contest of 1937: By Nick Smith.
• Return of the Space Walrus: By Darren Naish.
• Pinnepedophobia: By Clinton Keeling.
• Letters
• Book Reviews
• Sales
• Cartoon by Mark North

Newsfile

The 'Newsfile' section presents a series of short reports on unusual animal sightings and events from various locations:

• Mystery Cats in Scotland: Reports of large black cat sightings in West Lothian and Lossiemouth, described as 'definitely not a fox' and appearing panther-like.
• London 'Mountain Lion': A report of a 'mountain lion' sighted near a railway track in West London, with speculation about its habitat and food supply.
• West Yorkshire 'Wildcat of the Wolds': Sightings of a mystery animal, described as the size of a great dane, with a corpse reported to have cat-like head and ears, a dog's body, and fearsome teeth.
• Lake and Sea Monsters: A report from Central Russia about sightings of a creature in Lake Brosno resembling a prehistoric reptile with an elongated neck.
• Man Beasts and BHM Hair Today: A claim by a Bigfoot hunter from California about securing hair samples for DNA analysis.
• Attacks:
• Seal Attack: An 80-year-old woman in Lincolnshire was attacked by a 15-stone seal.
• Simian Stupidity: A gorilla at Franklin Park Zoo bombarded dignitaries with missiles.
• Simian Sadness: Over six hundred monkeys were killed in the Philippines due to an Ebola virus scare.
• I Thought I Saw a Puddy Cat: A Finnish farmer's pet cat was eaten by a wolf during a tug-of-war.
• See You Later Alligator: A boy in Florida was saved from an alligator attack by his parents.
• In a While Crocodile: A mother is suing the dead alligator that attacked her daughter for a million dollars, while the husband who killed it is being sued for killing an endangered species.
• Who Killed Bambi?: A rare white stag in Scotland was shot and decapitated, possibly by a trophy hunter.
• Who's Afraid of the Big Bad...: A student playing the Big Bad Wolf was shot on stage because the prop gun was not checked.
• Talking Turkey: A wild turkey crashed through the windscreen of a truck.
• Bees Mean Business: A swarm of killer bees attacked farmers in Costa Rica, killing one man and injuring others. Similar African species are reported to have escaped from a laboratory in Brazil and spread across South America and the southern US.
• No Facetious Pun From the Editor Could Possibly Do Justice To This Ridiculous Story!!!: A man fishing near Moscow caught a 28-inch pike and was bitten on the nose when he kissed it.
• Whale Meat Again: Two southern right whales charged a shark net to save their calf entangled in it off Durban, South Africa.
• Out of Place / If You're Going to San Fransisco: A baby alligator or caiman in San Francisco's Mountain Lake became the subject of a publicity war between two newspapers, involving naming contests and hiring an alligator hunter.
• Euro-Roo (1) & (2): Reports of kangaroos found wild in Belgium and a small kangaroo caught near Hamburg, suggesting burgeoning populations of 'wild' red-necked wallabies in Europe.
• White Whale: A Beluga whale was in danger of becoming stranded at Thurso in the Orkney Islands.
• Seal'd With a Kiss (1) & (2): Reports of lost seal pups found far from their natural habitats, including a silver harp seal in Dorset and a hooded seal in the American Virgin Islands.
• The return of the Multicoloured Frogs: Unusually coloured frogs (orange, yellow, cream, pale pink) are flourishing in southern England, possibly due to global warming aiding albino mutations.
• A Lad in Crane: A northern European crane was spotted in Scotland.
• The Advent of the Euromoths: A colony of rare Southern chestnut moths, normally found in warmer countries, has been discovered in the New Forest, Hampshire.
• New and Rediscovered Animals: A report on the discovery of the remains of Confuciusornis sanctus, a bird from the Jurassic era with a beak and true feathers. The phalarope, a wading bird, uses a vortex to catch food. Hong Kong's pink dolphins are under threat from pollution and habitat destruction, with only 80 remaining.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a wide range of unusual animal phenomena, cryptozoological reports, and strange occurrences, often drawing from local and international news sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into the unexplained, with a critical eye towards official denials or endorsements, as noted in the 'London' newsfile entry. The 'Newsfile' section, in particular, highlights the eclectic and often bizarre nature of the events reported, ranging from mystery animal sightings to unusual animal behavior and even legal disputes involving animals. The magazine seems to champion the idea that zoology is a field with many ongoing discoveries and mysteries yet to be solved, as suggested by the editorial title. There is also an emphasis on the role of the Centre for Fortean Zoology in documenting and exploring these phenomena.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (#13) is a newsfile and features compilation covering a diverse range of zoological and cryptozoological topics. The magazine presents short articles and reports on various animal discoveries, behaviors, and mysteries from around the world.

Newsfile Section

Seal of Approval A study by Professor Dave Lavigne of the University of Guelph investigated landlocked harbor seals in northern Quebec. The prevailing theory suggests these seals became isolated in Lacs des Loups Marin during the last ice age, approximately 8,000 years ago.

Colossal Fossil In Australia, a gardener discovered a fossilized amphibian, measuring 6.5 ft (2 m), in his rockery. Dr. Stephen Godfrey, a Canadian palaeontologist, identified it as a Triassic creature resembling a cross between a crocodile and a worm, dating back about 230 million years.

A Fishy Story A 3031bs fish, 96 inches long, was caught in the Gambia River. Described as a 'toppen', its presence in a river is considered unusual for an Atlantic ocean species, leading to speculation that 'toppen' might be a misnomer for 'tarpon'.

Everybody's Got Something to Hide... Scientists from Hanover University, Germany, have rediscovered the hairy-eared dwarf lemur (Allocebu trichotis) in Madagascar. This small, nocturnal monkey was thought to be extinct. The article notes a significant decline in Madagascar's monkey species since European arrival.

New Crab A new species of crab with a multicolored shell has been discovered near Chiang Mai, Thailand. It has been named the 'elegant mountain crab' due to its attractive carapace.

Weird Science: Triple Rammy A sheep in Norfolk, UK, gave birth to triplets, each fathered by a different ram, identifiable by their distinct breed characteristics (Dutch Texel, Charollais, and Suffolk).

Oh no.. not those dinosaurs again! The extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago, known as the Cretaceous Event, is widely believed to have been caused by a large meteor or asteroid impact.

Cosmic Radiation Theory Israeli scientists propose that cosmic radiation from colliding neutron stars may have bombarded Earth, destroying its atmospheric protective layers.

Bees Can Fly Contrary to previous assumptions based on wing size, research from Cambridge University shows that bees achieve flight through the turbulence generated by their wings, creating small vortices that effectively increase wing thickness and generate lift.

Their Prey Will Come... An incident involving racing pigeon enthusiasts is reported, where an ageing pigeon with an attached explosive device was sent against a peregrine falcon that was preying on their birds.

Return of the Native Various British animals, once protected, are reportedly re-emerging as pests. Otters, badgers, and ravens are becoming problematic in some areas, leading to suggestions for official culls and reports of farmers undertaking illegal raids against these animals.

Otter Than July As native British otters recover their population in northern England, American mink numbers are declining. The resurgence of otters is also linked to the recovery of water voles. A survey in Northumberland showed otter presence at 70% of sites, up from 23% four years prior.

Stop the Pigeon A homing pigeon released in Nantes, France, mistakenly flew 1500 miles to Moscow, arriving over two years later than expected.

Feature Section

Newsfile Extra: 'Moby' the Sperm Whale This section presents two viewpoints on the stranding of a sperm whale in Scotland's Firth of Forth. Tony 'Doc' Shiels of the Sea Head Artists Gang (S.H.A.G) humorously notes the timing of the event in relation to other S.H.A.G. activities. Tom Anderson reports that a 15-meter sperm whale beached itself at South Queensferry. It freed itself but moved upstream, possibly confused by spring tides. Three more whales were seen downstream. Scientists monitored it, and sonar suggested it was not in critical distress. Attempts to drive it back failed due to traffic noise. BP postponed a tanker departure, and vehicle speeds on the bridge were limited. A flotilla of eleven craft tried to shepherd it downstream. It made sonar contact with its pod but again ran aground, eventually reaching open water. It later returned and stranded again, dying of suffocation. The reasons for its migration down the east coast are unknown. Some opinions blame the oil industry's seismic explorations west of Shetland for previous strandings. This could explain the influx of rare cetaceans. The North Sea oil industry has a projected lifespan of twenty-five years.

A Plethora of Pangolins This section is dedicated to articles about pangolins.

#### The Pangolin That Never Was by Richard Freeman
Richard Freeman recounts a story from his grandparents about a pangolin sighting near Nuneaton, UK. This led to an investigation, but the animal turned out to be a bandicoot, not a pangolin. The article discusses Nuneaton's lack of cryptozoological history and the initial confusion with an anteater-like animal.

#### Pangolins: Biology and Classification
Pangolins are described as unique mammals, formerly classified as Edentates but now in their own order, Pholidota. They have scaly exteriors, resembling reptiles or pine cones, and are found in tropical Africa and Asia. Their diet consists of ants and termites, obtained with long, sticky tongues. They have powerful claws for digging and are nocturnal. Their tongues are exceptionally long, extending to near the pelvic girdle. Their stomachs have horny knobs to grind prey. They possess keen senses of smell but poor eyesight. Asiatic species have external ears, while African ones do not. Some are arboreal, and the giant African species is a good swimmer. Obtaining and keeping pangolins in captivity is difficult due to their specialized diet, though some success has been achieved with minced meat and folic acid supplements. The Antwerp Zoological Garden has successfully bred the giant species. Historical records of pangolins in the London Zoological Garden are mentioned.

#### The Puzzling Pangolins by Clinton Keeling
This article discusses discontinuous distribution in zoology, citing examples like the Azure Winged Magpie and the Pika. It touches upon the difficulty of explaining such distributions. The article then revisits the Nuneaton 'pangolin' incident, suggesting it was a hoax, possibly linked to the Sony Playstation game 'Crash Bandicoot'. It proposes that the woman might have mistaken another animal for a bandicoot due to media attention surrounding the game.

#### Pangolins by Tom Anderson
Tom Anderson details the seven species of pangolins worldwide (three Asiatic, four African). He describes their defense mechanism of 'ball curling' protected by scales, which are modified hair. The tree pangolin is arboreal and less threatened. Pangolins are preyed upon by humans and animals; their scales are used for charms, and their flesh is eaten. The giant species is endangered. Asian species face less territorial pressure. The article mentions interactions with other animals, including a jackal being thwarted and a tiger cub's carapace being shredded.

#### The Pangolin in Hong Kong by Jonathan Downes
Jonathan Downes expresses concern about the impact of Hong Kong's reversion to Chinese rule on its fragile ecosystem and wildlife, including the Chinese pangolin. He cites historical accounts from 1951 and 1967 noting the animal's rarity and persecution by the Chinese for medicinal properties of its scales and for consumption. The article notes that pangolins are declining in Hong Kong.

#### In Pursuit of Pangolins (Excerpt from Dr. Shuker's book)
This excerpt discusses the presence of pangolins in Hong Kong and England. Dennis Hill and Karen Phillips noted their decline in Hong Kong. The article mentions a sighting in Dumpton Park, Ramsgate, Kent, in 1954, described as a 'walking fir cone'. This sighting is puzzling as pangolins are restricted to Africa and Asia and are difficult to maintain in captivity. Another report from Madras, India, describes a scaly, orange-colored beast caught by fishermen, which had some pangolin similarities but was neither orange nor amphibious. The article concludes that the pangolin may symbolize the decline of Hong Kong's native wildlife.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unusual and unexplained phenomena in the natural world, often with a focus on cryptozoology and fortean events. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and open-mindedness, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts while also critically examining potential hoaxes and misidentifications, as seen in the pangolin and bandicoot discussions. There's a clear interest in the intersection of science, folklore, and unexplained animal behavior.

This issue of "Animals & Men" (#13) delves into a variety of unexplained animal sightings and related phenomena reported in Britain. The primary focus is the "Barking Beast of Bath" case, but it also covers other intriguing reports from different regions.

The Barking Beast of Bath

The article by Terry Hooper details the investigation into the "Barking Beast of Bath" case, which gained attention in August 1980. Hooper, then director of UFO International and a member of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), was alerted to the case by BUFORA and the press. The Bristol Evening Post reported on August 12, 1980, that RSPCA Inspector Peter Meyer warned the public about a mystery beast, possibly a monkey about three feet tall, sighted near Brassknocker Hill. The creature had first appeared the previous summer, damaging trees and frightening wildlife. Inspector Meyer speculated that if it were a wild monkey, it could be dangerous.

Ron Harper, a retired cabinet maker living near the woods, believed the beast was a monkey that came out in August when the trees had new shoots, suggesting it might have been released by a foreigner. The Daily Mirror also covered the story, describing a 'strange furry creature' with 'shaggy shapes and glaring eyes' first seen in August 1979. John Elphinstone, a taxi driver, reported seeing the creature, and a policeman dispatched to the scene also observed it. Inspector Mike Price of Bath police expressed skepticism, comparing it to a monkey and questioning if Martians were hairy.

Hooper's initial investigation proved difficult. The RSPCA and Mr. Meyer's office were unresponsive. He was directed to the Primate Protection League, which also did not reply. A reporter mentioned sightings of strange lights, but Hooper found no UFO angle. He contacted BUFORA, suggesting it was an escaped chimpanzee, but was told to persist for 'certain information'.

Hooper spent a week in the area, sleeping in a tree, and noted a strong smell of fresh monkey urine, which he recognized from a previous encounter with a chimpanzee at Bristol Zoo. Despite his efforts, he found no physical evidence like faeces. He contacted BUFORA again, who dismissed the case, attributing strange lights to a meteorite. The case was considered closed by BUFORA.

Later, in 1996, Hooper received word that one to three chimpanzees might have been loose in the area. John Elphinstone wrote to him, confirming he had seen a chimp, and Mrs. Harper corroborated her late husband's sightings. The article notes that primates on the loose were becoming more common, citing a baboon sighting in Shropshire in 1996.

Other Anomalous Sightings

Large Cats in Yorkshire

Richard Freeman's article, "HERE BE PANTHERS," discusses sightings of large, black, cat-like animals in Yorkshire. The episode began with an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post on October 3, 1996, about John Lisowiece and his family seeing an all-black animal, larger than a dog but smaller than a calf, running across a field near Selby. Other sightings in the same general area were reported by an unnamed man and a couple.

Freeman, who lived nearby, attempted to interview the Lisowieces but they were ex-directory. He organized an expedition with two other forteans, Philip Thoruley and Jake Kirkwood, to investigate the area, which maps indicated contained a large wood. They used a hessian sack and a leg of lamb as bait. However, the expedition faced difficulties, including Jake Kirkwood getting lost due to inaccurate maps and the realization that the area was unsuitable for panthers, being mostly arable farmland with little cover.

They eventually found the woods (Bishopswood) and found prints of large dogs and a muntjac deer. Despite setting bait, nothing happened. Freeman suspected that any 'panthers' in the area were likely just passing through from the more wooded Yorkshire coast. He also noted the inaccuracy of maps, questioning how reliable they would be in Tasmania, where he planned to search for the thylacine.

Henry Moncrieff contributed "ANOTHER YORKSHIRE ABC," detailing a sighting of what appeared to be a puma walking across scrubland at the bottom of his garden. He described the undercliff area as covered in thick brush, inhabited by foxes and badgers. His girlfriend had previously seen large unidentified paw prints in the snow and heard something heavy move outside their window at night. Moncrieff noted that at least five well-attested sightings of a similar animal had been made in the area between November and January.

Lustleigh Cleave and Somerset Sightings

The article mentions Theo Brown, a Devon folklorist, who collected stories including a recollection of seeing a family of 'cave men' near neolithic earthworks at Lustleigh Cleave on Dartmoor. This area is described as a 'window area' for unexplained incidents, with reports of ghostly hunting parties and mysterious lights. In 1978, two schoolboys found the skull of a large predatory felid in the same area.

Another report from Somerset concerns a man who, later in Africa, described seeing a terrifying creature at the Hangley Cleeve barrows. He described it as a 'crouching form like a rock with matted hair all over it and pale, flat eyes'. Reports of hulking man-shaped shadows seen in a local quarry are also mentioned.

South Devon 'Green-Faced Monkey' Sightings

An incident in South Devon in late summer/early autumn of 1996 involved fifteen witnesses reporting sightings of a mysterious small carnivore, possibly a relict population of Beech Martens. However, descriptions were of a 'green faced monkey', tailless, four to five feet tall, with a flat, olive-green face. The article notes that while some primates have green faces, none match the description of a humanoid or chimp-like creature seen swinging through trees and running.

This period also saw UFO sightings and crop circles in the area, including one with mutilated pigeons. The author suggests that while escaped primates are possible, these sightings might be zooform phenomena.

Other Cases and Themes

The magazine touches upon other British sightings of anomalous phenomena, including the 'Man Monkey of Lincolnshire' and 'Martyn's Ape' of Athelhampton, Dorset, which are explained as regional 'animal ghosts'. The author posits that these folk stories might have been invented to explain sightings of monkey-shaped apparitions or small BHM (Bigfoot/Hominid) phenomena.

Danish Leatherback Turtles

Lars Thomas reports on records of leatherback turtles in Danish waters. The first recorded instance was a dead turtle found on a beach in December 1948, which drifted to Sweden. A second, live specimen was caught in September 1965. A third record exists, caught by a Danish fisherman but in British territorial waters.

North of the Border

Tom Anderson's column discusses various observations. He notes the influx of tourists in the Inverness area and criticizes up-market fishing magazines for focusing on attire rather than fishing techniques. He reports on a trout fishery near Stirling where anglers observed large crows, identified by the RSPB as turkey vultures with a wingspan of nearly two meters, possibly escapees. He also mentions a charter boat skipper claiming to have discovered a huge cavern off Aberdeen, prompting a survey by a sub-sea firm.

Pearl's a Singer

Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker recounts the story of Molly, a 'singing oyster' from 1840 London. Mr. Pearkes, a shellfish seller, discovered Molly's 'bewitching siren song,' described as a high-pitched whistle, resonating from a cask of shellfish. Molly became a local celebrity, enchanting theatre audiences and inspiring a song by music-hall artiste Sam Cowell. Despite offers to purchase her, Pearkes kept Molly. Her vocal talent is attributed either to being 'crossed in love' or a simple fluke in her shell's architecture. Molly eventually ceased singing and 'departed this mortal maelstrom'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained animal sightings, often referred to as zooform phenomena or cryptids, and the challenges of investigating such cases. The magazine highlights the unreliability of maps, the difficulty in obtaining official information, and the tendency for witnesses to describe creatures resembling primates or large cats. There's a consistent questioning of whether these phenomena are misidentified known animals, escaped exotic pets, or something genuinely unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries while also considering more mundane explanations. The inclusion of UFO sightings in some cases suggests an overlap between different fortean interests. The magazine also touches upon local folklore and its potential connection to sightings.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #13
Publisher: Centre for Fortean Zoology
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a variety of unusual and often overlooked aspects of zoology and cryptozoology, featuring articles on singing mice, prehistoric equids, walrus taxonomy, and historical animal encounters.

A World Beating Musical Mus musculus - The International Singing Mouse Contest of 1937

By Nick Smith

This article discusses a BBC and CBC joint broadcast from 1937 concerning an international singing mouse contest. The author, Nick Smith, expresses skepticism about the contest's criteria and the very concept of 'singing' mice, noting the lack of detail provided by the English announcer. The performances, including a duet by Mickey of London and Chrissie of Wales, and the winning entry by Mikey of New York, are described as unmelodious mouse noises, chirping, chattering, and squeaking, with Mikey's performance being a rapid, loud tremolo. Smith questions whether this could be considered musical or harmonious, comparing it to the vocalizations of other animals. He also references other instances of animals mimicking sounds, such as Pepe the Chihuahua and Murri the German tom-cat.

The editor's note expresses a personal interest in singing mice and a desire to hear the BBC recording, despite Smith's critique, and mentions a forthcoming publication on the subject.

The Zebro - Prehistoric Survivor or Feral Donkey?

By Angel Morant Fores

This feature explores the origin of the word 'zebra' and the identity of the 'zebro', a term used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for a local wild ass of the Iberian peninsula. The article discusses the mention of the zebro in Spanish hunting treatises and its description as a 'mare-like, grey-coloured animal, with a black strip running along its back, and a dark muzzle'. Modern research by Spanish archaeologists Carlos Nores and Corina Liesau suggests that the Iberian zebro might be the European Pleistocene equid, *Equus hydruntinus*, which may have survived in southern Spain and Portugal into the 16th century. The article notes the controversy surrounding its precise affinities, with most authors considering it an ass, while some suggest it is closely related to African zebras. It also mentions that *Equus hydruntinus* was previously believed to have died out 12,000 years ago, but new evidence from Neolithic and Bronze Age sites in Spain suggests a later survival.

The article references a source by Nores and Leisau (1992) from ARCHAEOFAUNA. The editor's note highlights the ongoing discoveries in the field of equids and expresses hope for the survival of other putative prehistoric survivors.

Odobenus Update...

THE RETURN OF THE SPACE WALRUS

By Darren Naish

This section revisits the topic of walruses, focusing on recent research that challenges established taxonomy. Darren Naish discusses a paper by O. Wilig and I. Gjertz from the Norwegian Polar Institute, which measured adult male walruses in Svalbard between 1989 and 1993. The data indicates that these walruses can reach sizes (up to 2000 kg estimated weight) comparable to or exceeding those of Pacific walruses (*O.r.divergens*), suggesting that distinctions based on size between Pacific and Atlantic walruses (*O.r.rosmarus*) may be invalid. The article also touches upon the possibility that age may have influenced previous size recordings. The author notes that walrus taxonomy may require revision, leading to a more complex understanding.

The article further explores other features that might distinguish subspecies, such as colour and skull morphology. It also discusses the historical inspiration of the sea monster 'Vacca marina' from walruses, as described by T. Southwell in 1881. The feeding habits of walruses are detailed, emphasizing their suction feeding mechanism and the use of tusks for combat and hauling, not digging. The diet includes bivalves, seabirds, seals, and even narwhals, with some older male walruses specializing in hunting seals.

PINNEPEDOPHOBIA

By Clinton Keeling

Clinton Keeling reflects on his previous article about walruses, expressing a personal phobia related to the animal and water. He describes the experience of being told about walruses holding prey underwater as nightmarish, particularly due to the animal's perceived intelligence and gruesomeness.

Letters to the Editor

A CALL TO ARMS

By Erik Sorenson, Denmark

Erik Sorenson writes to encourage readers to contribute to the magazine by sending clippings, making phone calls, or writing short notices, emphasizing that magazines cannot rely solely on a few individuals. He highlights the international readership and the importance of sharing information from local circles. Sorenson offers his contact details for those in Denmark who wish to exchange information with Danish cryptozoologists.

MAN FROM ATLANTIS

By Paul Garner, Ely

Paul Garner responds to a story about a family in the Philippines claiming to have functional gill slits. He relates a similar story about an Australian boy who underwent surgery for 'fish-gill cartilage' and discusses the common misconception that human embryos go through a 'fish' stage with gill slits. Garner clarifies that human embryos have pharyngeal pouches, not true gills, which develop into other structures. He dismisses claims of remnant fish-gills in adults as baseless, attributing them to abnormalities in embryonic development.

LION THROUGH OUR TEETH?

By George, null

George questions the identification of a Barbary Lion depicted in a previous issue, pointing out the excessive yellow in its mane and the lack of characteristic mane extension. He states that the last wild Barbary Lion was shot in Algeria in 1943, not 1922, and contrasts it with the Cape Lion, which became extinct in 1865 and is described as having a rectangular head profile.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Philippines Case: The editor believes the Philippines case is similar to the Australian one, but notes that the original report mentioned the people could 'breathe underwater', referring readers to Peter Costello's 'The Magic Zoo' for historical accounts of similar abilities.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Mainstream Acceptance: The editor discusses the challenges faced by the magazine in bridging the gap between established zoology and more fringe topics like cryptozoology, acknowledging that this approach may prevent mainstream acceptance but is necessary for the publication's ethos.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Mitten Crab: The editor mentions an article on the Mitten Crab and recalls an incident at Belle Vue where a tigress named Stella killed her keeper, attributing the tigress's savage behavior to tuberculosis, possibly contracted from eating crustaceans. This leads to a discussion about the potential link between TB and certain crustaceans, referencing the Mitten Crab's status as a TB carrier in Germany.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Borley Rectory Creature: The editor identifies a creature seen at Borley Rectory as the larva of an Elephant Hawk Moth, dismissing it as a 'sighting'.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Loch Ness Monster: The editor expresses surprise that someone is talking sense about the Loch Ness Monster.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Competition: The editor notes that no one answered the competition question from issue eleven, which was 'John Lennon and Yoko Ono'.

I TELL YOU WHAT I WANT WHAT I REALLY REALLY WANT ETC...

By Danny Chope, Blackpool

A fifteen-year-old reader, Danny Chope, expresses his admiration for the magazine and his aspiration to become a cryptozoologist, asking for advice on how to pursue this career.

EDITOR'S NOTE on Becoming a Cryptozoologist: The editor advises Danny that the only way to achieve his goal is to actively pursue it. He shares his own experience of becoming a fortean zoologist by claiming to be one, leading to media appearances and publications, though he notes this path has not brought financial reward and has had personal costs.

Book Reviews

Animals as Teachers and Healers - True stories of the transforming power of animals

By Susan Chernak McElroy

This review is critical of the book's 'new age' style and 'twee' manner, finding it off-putting despite acknowledging that the author makes valid points about the therapeutic value of animals. The reviewer quotes a passage on predation and the human perception of wild animals.

Psychic Animals

By Dennis Bardens

This review finds Bardens's book to be a more sober and intelligent treatment of the subject compared to McElroy's. The reviewer highlights accounts of 'Beaky' the Cornish Dolphin and notes that his own book, 'The Owiman and Others', covers similar events with a complementary but divergent interpretation. The review also mentions the book's discussion of apes and monkeys, with a nod to Aldous Huxley.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology, cryptozoology, and fortean phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, challenging conventional scientific views and embracing the unusual, even if it means sacrificing mainstream acceptance. There is a strong emphasis on reader participation and the sharing of information, as evidenced by the 'Letters to the Editor' section and the editor's own encouragement for readers to engage with the subject matter. The publication aims to appeal to a broad audience, from scientists to enthusiasts, and to foster a holistic understanding of the natural world and its mysteries.

Animals & Men #13 is an issue focused on reviews of books related to forteana, cryptozoology, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine features a cartoon by Mark North on its back cover, dated 1996, with the ISSN 1354 0637.

Book Reviews

Vampire Legends and Folklore

The issue includes several reviews of books concerning vampire legends and Dracula.

• "In Search of Frankenstein - Exploring the myths behind Mary Shelley's monster" by Radu Florescu (Robson, £18.95): This book is presented as a worthy successor to the author's previous work on Dracula, offering an academic yet engaging exploration of the myths. It is recommended for horror movie buffs and literary historians.
• "In Search of Dracula - The enthralling story of Dracula and Vampires" by Raymond McNally and Radu Florescu (299pp Robson £9.99): This is a timely reprint, updated slightly. The review notes that the book provides a scholarly analysis of European vampire legends and the life of Vlad Dracul, linking him to the Dracula legends. It also suggests that understanding this historical data can shed light on 20th-century Balkan conflicts. However, the reviewer laments the lack of examination of modern 'real' vampirism, distinguishing it from 'loony cults' and suggesting a connection to phenomena reported from Highgate Cemetery.
• "V is for Vampire - The A-Z Guide to Everything Undead" by David J.Skal (288pp Robson £10.99): The reviewer finds this book's style to be its downfall, stating that it "SUCKS!" on first reading. While acknowledging some fine and interesting material, the style is described as "excrable" and the A-Z format as "jokey and annoying," often "scraping the barrel" for content. The reviewer concludes that Robson Books is publishing "twaddle like this" which, unfortunately, will likely sell well.

Bigfoot and Sasquatch

Two books by John Green are reviewed:

• "On the track of the Sasquatch" by John Green (Hancock House 64pp £8.99)
• "Encounters with Bigfoot" by John Green (Hancock House 64pp £8.99)

These books are described as engaging and containing a wealth of data on North American Bigfoot/Humanoid (BHM) phenomena. The reviewer's main criticism is Green's insistence on explaining the mystery within a purely zoological frame, a path the reviewer disagrees with, believing that such reports should be investigated as zooform phenomena rather than as flesh-and-blood cryptids. Despite this, the books are considered entertainingly presented and well-written for BHM enthusiasts.

Other Cryptozoology and Forteana

• "Mysterious Australia" by R. Gilroy (pb illustrated 288pp, £11.00): This book is highly recommended for its fascinating collection of antipodean forteana, including sections on cryptozoology, the Yowie, Giant Lizards, the Thylacine, Bunyips, lake and river monsters, and relict dinosaurs.
• "The Owlman and Others" by Jonathan Downes: This book is described as coming "as close to the truth as anyone ever will" regarding Owlman evidence, including sightings mostly by young women in Cornwall.
• The CFZ Yearbook 1996 (£12.00) and 1997 (£12.00): These yearbooks contain research papers on various fortean topics, including Sky Beasts, mystery eagles, flying snakes, Ness, African Man Beasts, aardvarks, lake monsters, and Mexican cattle mutilation.
• "Morgawr: The Monster of Falmouth Bay" by A. Mawnan-Peller (£1.50): A reissue of a classic booklet with a new introduction.
• "The Smaller Mystery Carnivores of the Westcountry" by Jonathan Downes (£7.50): This book discusses species thought extinct and suggests the existence of unknown species and a revolutionary idea about a mammal species from mainland Europe existing in England.
• "In Search of Prehistoric Survivors" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker (192pp hb, £18.99): This is considered arguably the most important new book on general cryptozoology since the 1950s, presenting evidence for the survival of dozens of species known only from the fossil record.
• "Dragons - A Natural History" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker (120pp pb, £11.00): Described as gorgeously illustrated and a must for anyone interested in dragons, proving Shuker to be a meticulous scientist and storyteller.
• "The Lost Ark - New and Rediscovered Species of the 20th Century" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker (pb, £18.00): An essential purchase for those interested in zoological advances over the past 95 years. This is now out of print.
• "The Unexplained" by Dr K.P.N. Shuker (£16.99): Considered the best book of general forteana published in many years.
• "They Dined on Eland" by Sir C. Lever (£12.00): An excellent investigation of the 19th Century Acclimatisation Society and its founder Frank Buckland.
• "Loch Ness - the Tour" by R. Carter (£1.50): A guidebook to Loch Ness.
• "Sasquatch; Bigfoot - The Continuing Mystery" by T.N. Steenburg (£10.00): Reviewed positively and recommended for those interested in North American BHM phenomena.
• "The Dragon Chronicle" series (£1.50 each, or £7.00 for the set): Covers various aspects of dragons, folklore, and cryptozoology.
• "Worme World-The Dragon Trivia Source Book" by A.N. Dimmick (£2.75): Described as "Trivia at its worst."
• "Catspaws" by N.M. MacKenzie (£1.75): A collection of poems about cats, with a section on 'The Golden Dawn'.
• "All the Other" by N.M. MacKenzie (£1.75): Another collection of poems described as spells, curses, and blessings.
• "Was the First Bigfoot a Hoax? Cryptozoologys Original Sin" by Loren Coleman (£2.00)
• "Mysteries and Monsters of the Great Deep" (1948) by Harold T. Wilkins (28pp Reprint, £3.00)

Back Issues and Publications

The magazine also lists available back issues of "Animals & Men" (Issues 1-12, priced at £2.00 each, mostly photocopies) and other publications from "Our Own Publications" and "Dragon's Head Press." These include various fortean and cryptozoological topics.

Other Content

An "EDITOR'S NOTE" addresses potential criticism regarding the magazine's stance on modern vampirism, clarifying the distinction between cults and genuine phenomena. Several regular features, including "Now that's what I call Crypto" and "Out of This World," are held over due to lack of space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are vampire legends, cryptozoology (particularly Bigfoot/Sasquatch), and general fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine investigation, while also acknowledging the popular appeal of such subjects. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and academic research, but also an openness to unexplained phenomena. The magazine also actively promotes and sells related books and its own back issues, functioning as a hub for enthusiasts in these fields.