Animals and Men - No 27

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #27
Date: 2002
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ)
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a variety of zoological, cryptozoological, and Fortean phenomena, presenting a collection of intriguing reports and investigations. The cover highlights key articles on the search for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, an illegal Lynx reintroduction in Scotland, a video concerning 'Morgawr', and an encounter with a 'Pooka'.

Editorial and CFZ Operations

The editorial by Jon Downes, Director of the CFZ, expresses optimism about the organization's current state, marking it as one of the most exciting periods in its history. He announces that the CFZ has been registered as a non-profit making organization and is applying for Charitable Status. The editorial also mentions a recent investigation into the 'Monster of the Mere' (likely a large catfish) at Martin Mere, with plans for further investigation and a potential book publication. The addition of John Fuller as an administrative assistant is noted, significantly improving the CFZ's efficiency.

The CFZ also plans to purchase land in Devon to establish a nature reserve, working with community groups on conservation programs, including the reintroduction of extinct butterfly and moth species. Downes appeals for funding and donations to support the CFZ's projects, highlighting its transition from a hobbyist group to a full-time fortean zoological research organization.

Newsfile and New Discoveries

The "Newsfile" section compiles several reports on newly discovered or rediscovered species:

• New Whale Species: Scientists have identified a new species of beaked whale based on DNA analysis of specimens found in California, marking the 21st species of beaked whale described.
• New Jellyfish Species: A new species of jellyfish was identified as responsible for a tourist's death in northern Australia.
• Black Scuttle Fly: A previously unknown insect species, *Megaselia yatesi*, was discovered living deep within the shingle on the Sussex coast in the UK.
• Smooth Otters in Singapore: Smooth otters have reportedly re-established themselves as a breeding species in Singapore after a 40-year absence.
• Pink Goanna: A pink goanna was sighted and photographed in southern Arnhem Land, Australia, possibly due to a rare form of albinism.
• New Monkey Species in Brazil: Two new monkey species, *Callicebus bernardi* and *Callicebus stephennashi*, were discovered in the Brazilian Amazon.
• Bald Parrot: A new species of bald parrot, *Pagagio careco*, was discovered in Brazil.
• Branding Iron Head Viper: Four specimens of *Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus*, a pit viper species, were found in Hong Kong's New Territories, baffling experts as to how it remained undiscovered.
• 'Gladiators' Insects: Following the discovery of a new order of insects dubbed 'gladiators' in Namibia, a second species was found in Vietnam.

Cryptid and Unexplained Sightings

The issue also features several reports on unexplained phenomena and potential cryptids:

• Thylacine Sighting: A man in north-west Tasmania reported seeing a thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) staring at him before it disappeared into the bush. This adds to a pattern of seasonal reports in the area.
• Man-Beasts in Indiana: Multiple sightings of a large, ape-like creature, described as standing about 5 feet tall and weighing around 200 pounds, were reported in Indiana, USA. Tracks found were consistent with a four-toed creature with long claws.
• Mystery Ape in the Congo: CNN followed an expedition in the Congo searching for a new species of ape. While remote cameras and DNA analysis of hair and fecal samples suggested a chimpanzee, evidence like ground nests and a skull with gorilla-like features raised questions about a potential large, ground-sleeping ape or hybrid.
• Feral Children: Reports include a boy in Romania believed to have lived alone in the forests and a disabled Nigerian boy reportedly raised by chimpanzees. Another report mentions a boy seen running across a road in Australia.
• Cyclopean Skulls: Ancient humanoid skulls with a single eye socket were found in limestone caves in the Philippines, leading to speculation about one-eyed ancient settlers and local folklore about giants.
• Starchild Skull: A mysterious skull found in Bulgaria, similar to the legendary Starchild skull, was reported, though its interpretation is disputed by an archaeologist.

Other Articles

• "The hunt for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker" by Chester Moore discusses the ongoing search for this elusive bird.
• "The British Lynx" by Chris Moiser examines the topic of Lynx reintroduction in Scotland.
• "Encounter with a Puca?" by Louise Donnan recounts a personal experience.
• John Blashford-Snell Interview - Part Two: Continues an interview with the Hon. Life President.
• Letters to the Editor: A section for reader correspondence.
• Book Review: A review of a relevant book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the discovery of new species, the ongoing search for cryptids and elusive animals, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The CFZ's stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into reports that challenge conventional zoology, while also engaging in serious scientific research and conservation efforts. The magazine promotes a blend of factual reporting on new scientific findings and speculative exploration of the unknown, encouraging reader participation through letters and the sharing of information.

Animals & Men #27 is an issue dedicated to exploring a variety of unusual phenomena, cryptids, and significant natural world events, including obituaries of prominent figures. The magazine presents a collection of reports, anecdotes, and news items that touch upon the mysterious, the endangered, and the scientifically intriguing.

Bigfoot and Cryptid Sightings

The issue features several accounts of Bigfoot and other large, unidentified creatures. Ananova reported on June 17th about a Bigfoot sighting in Forks, Washington State, where a search by animal control and police found no trace of the creature. Forks Police Chief Mike Powell expressed relief at not having to deal with a captured Bigfoot. Further reports on June 22nd, 2001, from UPI, detail large footprints discovered in a forest on the shores of Hudson Bay in Canada. Abraham Hunter, chief of the Weemusk First Nation, described the footprints as "14 inches or so [long] and five inches wide," with "more than twenty" prints heading toward the Winisk River. These prints were noted for their depth, suggesting a heavy creature, and were distinct from bear tracks. Brett Kelly from the Ontario Natural Resources Ministry confirmed that photographs were being sent for examination and noted that 16 other sightings had occurred in Ontario. He also mentioned a second set of prints found 93 miles east, and referenced previous sightings in 1999 and in the western part of the province.

Lake and Sea Monsters

The magazine delves into reports of aquatic mysteries. The Crater Lake Monster in Oregon is revisited, with an account from Mrs. Hatcher, who described seeing an "unbelievably big" creature that "swam deep down in the lake" and looked like a "dragon." The Tasmania Mercury reported on January 2nd about the apparent return of a monster in Lake Dulverton, Tasmania, with locals reporting a "hump-backed monster." The article notes that the lake, once a popular recreational spot, had dried up in the 1980s but was revived, potentially attracting the creature.

Further into the issue, the "Ogopogo: Serpent Surfaces on Celluloid" section details a surprising event during a film crew's recreation of a 1978 Ogopogo sighting near the Okanagan Lake Bridge. Bill Steciuk, who was an advisor, reported seeing "two or three humps undulating in and out of the water." The footage, described as a "pretty clear shot" by video expert Len Melnyk, was deemed genuine and not a hoax. Steciuk himself took photographs and noted the creature's "serpent-like" head.

The "Mystery creature of Cornish legend" section by Ray Telford discusses the fabled Cornish sea serpent, Morgawr. John Holmes provided video footage from 1999 showing a creature's head about a meter above the waves, with an estimated length of 2.2 meters. Video expert Tim Famm confirmed the footage's authenticity. The article also references a similar sighting off Falmouth in the early 1970s and another sighting off Paimouth six weeks prior. A separate article, "TURN OFF THE JUKEBOX AND DO US ALL A FAVOUR," by Paul Crowther, touches on the Beast of Bodmin, another Cornish legend, and the potential for cryptozoological attractions to boost tourism.

Endangered Species and Wildlife

The issue highlights critical conservation concerns. Peter Ng, director of a museum on biodiversity at the National University of Singapore, stated that the Cream-colored Giant Squirrel and the Banded Leaf Monkey are facing imminent extinction, with fewer than four squirrels and less than 20 monkeys remaining. The article attributes this to urbanization and the lack of protected land.

Another report, "MISSING LYNX," details the plight of the Iberian lynx in Spain. A mystery disease has decimated their population, leaving only about 20 in the Donana National Park. Fears are also rising that the 'European Tiger' may have disappeared from the Montes de Toledo mountains. Portugal's Serra da Malcata national park may have only one lynx left. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) classifies the Iberian lynx as the most endangered cat globally, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining. The article notes that many are starving, too weak to breed, and that cubs are often killed by vehicles or traps.

Unusual Zoological Discoveries

"THE NAMELESS OFFSPRING" reports on the first appearance of two rare, luminous Yellow Irish Slugs (Limax Maculata) in South Yorkshire, UK. These slugs were previously confined to Ireland, with only one prior sighting on mainland Britain in Wales. They are believed to have arrived on imported plants or horticultural products.

"TITAN FROM THE ABYSS" recounts the capture of a large snapping turtle, nicknamed 'Dornie,' in a Munich lake. The turtle, possibly an alligator snapping turtle, had lived in the lake for at least a decade, reaching 32 inches in length. Swimming was banned in the lake due to the discovery.

Other News and Features

An article on "ARGENTINE ANTS MARCH ACROSS EUROPE" describes the development of the largest supercolony of Argentine ants ever recorded, stretching 6,000 kilometers across Europe. Unlike typical ant colonies, these ants from rival nests cooperate.

"And finally, Richard..." includes a humorous item about a Belgian company developing a vibrator for pigs to aid artificial insemination.

Obituaries

The issue features obituaries for two prominent figures:

• Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002): The renowned Norwegian explorer and archaeologist, famous for his Kon-Tiki expedition, died of cancer at age 87. His 1947 expedition aimed to prove that ancient cultures could have sailed from Peru to Polynesia. The film of the expedition won an Oscar, and his book sold 60 million copies worldwide.
• Stephen Jay Gould (1942-2002): The Harvard University professor, a best-selling author, paleontologist, and evolutionary biologist, died of cancer at age 60. He was known for his engaging essays on evolution, including works like "Ever Since Darwin" and "The Panda's Thumb." His work emphasized the concept of "punctuated equilibria" in evolution.

The obituaries section also includes brief mentions of musicians Frank Tovey (aka Fad Gadget), Dee Dee Ramone, and John Entwhistle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Animals & Men are the exploration of the unknown, the unexplained, and the natural world's more mysterious or concerning aspects. There's a clear interest in cryptozoology, with multiple articles dedicated to Bigfoot, lake monsters, and sea serpents. The magazine also highlights significant conservation issues, focusing on endangered species and the impact of human activity on wildlife. The inclusion of obituaries for influential scientists and explorers suggests an editorial stance that values both the pursuit of knowledge and the documentation of significant contributions to science and exploration. The overall tone is informative, presenting various reports and accounts with a degree of curiosity and a focus on the unusual.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #27
Date: May 3-6, 2002
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology
Country: UK

This issue of "Animals & Men" delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, cryptozoological mysteries, and Fortean events from around the globe.

The Texan Gargoyles

Nick Redfern recounts a bizarre story from Littlefield, Texas, heard from an elderly couple. In the mid-1940s, two eight-foot tall, gray-skinned humanoid creatures with large, leathery wings and glowing red eyes reportedly climbed out of an underground storage area of an old, reputedly haunted house. They then took off in a hopping-style run, opened their wings, and soared into the sky. The couple also mentioned that the creatures' limbs appeared hollow against the moon. Later, a similar creature was seen standing in a highway, moaning. Redfern notes the story's similarities to Mothman and Owlman legends and is investigating further.

The Bloop

The article discusses a mysterious underwater sound nicknamed "Bloop," first detected in 1997 by US Navy sensors originally used to monitor Soviet submarines. While many underwater sounds can be explained, "Bloop" is noted for its unusual characteristics. Christopher Fox of the NOAA Acoustic Monitoring Project has named various signals, including "Bloop." While speculation suggests it could be a giant squid, marine biologist Phil Lobel doubts this, stating that cephalopods lack the necessary gas-filled sacs to produce such a noise.

Crypto X Files in Oz

This section reports that wildlife officials in Western Australia have maintained a record of "strange animal sightings" dating back to the 1930s. This database, uncovered through Freedom of Information laws, includes sightings of big cats and animals like the thylacine. A 1994 letter from the environment minister suggested the possibility of unidentified species existing in the region, with local farmers convinced of their presence.

The Cleadon Puma

Mike Hallowell investigates reports of a puma-like creature sighted in Cleadon Hills, near Sunderland, UK, in 1998. The creature was described as unusual, with glowing red eyes and missing lower legs. One witness reported it disappearing in a "puff of cryptozoological smoke." Strange, sulphur-smelling droppings were also found. The article notes that the area has a history of Fortean phenomena, including reports of black helicopters and unusual bird silence near old gun emplacements. Hallowell concludes that the Cleadon Puma might be a "zooform creature" not fully of this dimension.

The Wyrd Weekend

This section provides a report on a paranormal event, "The Wyrd Weekend," held from May 3-6, 2002, in Exeter. It details various talks and activities, including presentations on John Dee, Sabine Baring-Gould, Victorian travelling menageries, and the Rendlesham Forest UFO case. The event also featured a quiz and a band performance. Despite some logistical challenges and lower-than-expected attendance, the feedback was generally positive. The event successfully raised funds for the Centre for Fortean Zoology.

Hope is alive for the ivorybilled woodpecker

By Chester Moore, Jr., this article details a search for the ivory-billed woodpecker in Southwestern Louisiana from January to February 2002, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Optics. Although the bird was not visually confirmed, the search team recorded distinctive bird calls and found evidence of foraging, suggesting the species may still exist. The ivorybill historically ranged in the area where the evidence was found.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, focusing on cryptozoology, UFO sightings, and other Fortean phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting accounts and evidence without necessarily endorsing them as factual, but rather as tales worth telling and exploring. There's a clear interest in local legends and unusual animal sightings, as well as broader mysteries like underwater sounds and historical paranormal events. The publication seems to champion the idea that there is more to the world than conventional science can explain.

Title: Animals & Men #27
Publisher: Centre for Fortean Zoology
Content Focus: Cryptozoology, wildlife mysteries, and unusual animal encounters.

The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker: A Lingering Hope

The issue opens with a report on the ongoing search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a species widely believed to be extinct. The Zeiss search team, including member David Luneua, examined bark stripping found near where David Kullivan allegedly saw a pair of ivorybills in 1999. Remarkably, a team from Cornell University heard a double rap sound 1.3 kilometers from the Zeiss team's recording site on the same morning. While searching, the Cornell team observed a pileated woodpecker and an unidentified large woodpecker in a chase. Dr. John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, expressed intrigue about the source of these unusual double-rap sounds, noting that pileated woodpeckers were the only large woodpeckers they could locate in the area, and they had never heard them produce such a display.

Dr. Van Remsen, an ornithologist at Louisiana State University, was excited by a recording made by Martjan Lammertink, stating it sent a chill down his spine and that he had never heard pileated woodpeckers make a sound with such power and rhythm. The Zeiss team also discovered concentrations of tree bark scaling, a primary foraging method for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers, along with large cavities. Despite some skepticism, the possibility of the species' survival remains a topic of discussion, with researchers like Luneau hoping for discovery before it's too late. The article also touches on how such birds might be mistaken for pileated woodpeckers and the difficulty of finding them if not actively sought.

A news report from June 9, 2002, details how listening devices placed in Louisiana swamps to record ivorybill sounds actually captured distant gunfire. Researchers analyzed data from acoustic recording units (ARUs) placed by Cornell University and Zeiss Sports Optics. While the sounds were identified as gunfire, the technology's potential to provide independent evidence was highlighted. John Fitzpatrick remained optimistic that the ivory-billed woodpecker might still inhabit areas outside the machine's coverage.

The British Lynx: A Resurgence?

This section explores the possibility of the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) re-establishing itself in Britain, a species officially considered extinct since the Neolithic period. The article notes a lack of conclusive photographic evidence for other large cat sightings but points to a series of events suggesting a potential return of the lynx. In May 2001, a young adult lynx was captured in Cricklewood, North London, and taken to London Zoo. However, no licensed animals were reported missing, and the former owners remained unidentified.

Further evidence emerged with a report of a lynx killed on the Norfolk-Suffolk border in 1991, accompanied by a photograph and details of the incident. Shortly after, two unlicensed lynx were seized in Yorkshire, reportedly intended for release for hunting. The RSPCA mentioned these seizures in a press release but was reluctant to discuss the issue further. Members of the West Country hunting fraternity also indicated awareness of individuals releasing lynx for sport.

The article discusses the potential impact of lynx reintroduction on native wildlife, including deer, fox, and rabbit populations, and their potential to prey on game birds and domestic livestock. While reintroducing them might be a criminal offense, some biologists believe it could help restore ecological balance by controlling grazing wildlife. The possibility of reintroducing other species like Wairus, Brown Bear, and Bison is also mentioned as part of a long-term vision to restore landscapes.

A significant development involved a threat from a group called 'Rural Guerillas' to release twelve lynx in Scotland if the fox hunting ban proceeded. Subsequent investigation linked this group to the Wild Beasts Trust, which had considered lynx releases since 1996. Following the ban, it was claimed that the releases occurred in the Borders, Galloway, and near Balnagowan Castle. Two of the released cats were named 'Neil and Christine'. The article raises questions about the origin of these lynx, suggesting they may have been imported from France or sourced from unlicensed captive populations within the UK.

Encounter with a Pooka?

Louise Donnan recounts a chilling experience in 1997 with her niece Claire in the Grayfield-Greencastle district of Northern Ireland. While driving, they encountered a large, unusual animal on the roadside that resembled a sheep but had a coat of torn rags. As they approached, the animal charged the car, its single visible eye described as reddish and possessing a penetrating stare. The animal then ran alongside the car, banging into it, before suddenly stopping. The encounter left them terrified and questioning the nature of the creature, which they described as 'evil'. They later learned that others had heard similar stories, dismissing the animal as a large dog.

Interview: Col. John Blashford Snell (Part Two)

This section features the second part of an interview with Colonel John Blashford-Snell, described as the 'living epitome of the English Gentleman explorer'. He discusses his role as Life President of the Centre for Fortean Zoology and his extensive cryptozoological investigations.

One investigation involved a 'monster' reported in a pond in Ickham, Kent. Initially thought to be a perch, the creature was described as having eaten all the goldfish in the pond. An exercise involving an explosive charge was conducted to clear the pond, attracting significant press attention due to President Carter's visit to England. The pond was later found to contain an enormous perch, about fifteen pounds, which was moved to a reservoir.

Colonel Blashford-Snell also recounts an expedition to Nepal to investigate reports of a mammoth-like creature. He describes an elephant-like animal with a domed head and thick body, observed from a canoe. Subsequent expeditions, including one with biologists and Dr. Adrian Lister, a mammoth expert, confirmed the creatures were not mammoths but a unique type of Asian elephant. DNA analysis from dung samples revealed a relationship to mammoths but confirmed their elephantine nature. The creatures were found to be significantly taller than ordinary Asian elephants, with a more pronounced domed head. The discovery of a herd, including bulls and cows, led to their protection by the Nepalese government, which in turn aided the protection of rhinos and tigers.

The interview concludes with Colonel Blashford-Snell explaining the funding for these expeditions, which relies on contributions from members ('mini golf club'), sponsors, and book sales. He mentions specific sponsors like A.P.Knight and BP.

Letters to the Editor

The magazine includes a section for letters, inviting reader correspondence. The editor reserves the right to edit letters and clarifies that the opinions expressed are those of the individual correspondents.

A letter from 'Hi Jon' shares an anecdote from his father, a Royal Engineer who traveled the world and completed an autobiography.

Saturday Night Special

This section appears to be a placeholder or a brief note, with the content being an extract from a Royal Engineer's autobiography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Animals & Men #27 revolve around the persistence of mystery in the natural world and the ongoing quest to document and understand elusive or potentially extinct species. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into cryptozoological phenomena, presenting evidence and personal accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. There is a clear interest in wildlife conservation and the ecological impact of both natural and introduced species. The magazine champions the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of the unknown, as exemplified by the featured interviews and reports.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: #27
Publisher: CFZ COMMUNICATIONS
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of Animals & Men (#27) presents a diverse collection of articles, personal accounts, and reviews centered around cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and natural mysteries.

Personal Accounts and Sightings

The issue opens with personal anecdotes from the author's past. He recounts encounters with mountaineer Norman Dyhrenfurth in Nepal, who claimed to have seen Yeti footprints and presented what he believed were Yeti bones. Another account details a dinner party in Kathmandu in 1956, attended by the authoress Han Suyin and other notable figures.

Several reader submissions describe unusual sightings. Emma Lawrence from Devon writes about a cat buried in a pet cemetery being dug up, leading to speculation about a puma possibly inhabiting the Haldon Belvedere area. Craig Spears from West Virginia shares a childhood encounter with a strange, skull-headed, spider-like creature. Carl from Fort Lauderdale reports seeing two small, earless, greyhound-like animals. A more bizarre sighting comes from Western Massachusetts, describing a misty, red, stingray-like object that flew into a house.

Cryptozoological Investigations and Expeditions

Colonel John Blashford-Snell, the Hon. Life President of the CFZ, announces an upcoming expedition to Bolivia to investigate archaeological discoveries and rumors of strange creatures, particularly giant anacondas. He mentions a past report of a 28 ft anaconda in Bolivia, though notes the accompanying photo was misidentified.

Book Reviews

The "Richard's REVIEWS" section, curated by the "world's only gothic cryptozoologist," features two book reviews:

• "Mammoth: The Resurrection of an Ice Age Giant" by Richard Stone: This review highlights the book's exploration of Siberia, the woolly mammoth, ongoing cloning projects, and the concept of "Pleistocene Park" being created by Sergei Zimov. The review emphasizes the compelling possibility of mammoths returning.
• "The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature" by Dr Karl Shuker: This book is described as a departure from Shuker's usual cryptozoological fare, focusing instead on the odd behavior and uncanny abilities of known species. Examples include the chiton's magnetic radula and the phenomenon of the rat king. The review notes the book's coverage of strange facts and phenomena, including the Mongolian death worm.

Another book, "Odd-Bodies: An investigation into a selection of monsters triggered by the cosmic mechanism" by Neil Arnold, is also highlighted. Neil Arnold is praised as a prolific writer, and the book is described as a parade of well-known and obscure monsters, with a focus on cases in England and the US. The review notes its enthusiastic and dedicated approach to cryptozoology.

"Savage Girls and Wild Boys – a history of feral children" by Michael Newton is reviewed by Jon Downes. Downes expresses personal interest in the subject, linking it to his childhood reading of "The Jungle Book." He praises the book for its excellent research into feral children, exploring the question of whether their condition was pre-existing or caused by environmental factors. He recommends it as a definitive work on the subject.

Other Features

• "ONE MAN'S MEAT" is a letter from Emma Lawrence discussing the possibility of a puma near Haldon, UK.
• "KING OF THE FLIES" is a brief letter to the editor from Dave regarding mystery insects.
• "THE RYPTOZOOLOGY FILES" by Mark North features a comic strip about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, noting its recent reported sighting in Louisiana, USA, after being long thought extinct.

Contents List

A comprehensive list of contents from previous issues (1-26) is provided, detailing a vast array of topics covered, including various mystery animals, cryptids, expeditions, and book reviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the fringes of zoology and unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into reports of unusual creatures and events, often featuring personal accounts and book reviews that delve into these subjects. There is a clear interest in both historical accounts and contemporary sightings, as well as scientific endeavors related to rediscovering or understanding rare species and phenomena. The publication seems to cater to an audience fascinated by the unknown and the unexplained in the natural world.