Animals and Men - No 34

Magazine Overview

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 34
Publisher: The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ)
Date: Approximately 2004 (based on article sources)
Content Focus: Cryptozoology, zoological discoveries, expedition reports, and Fortean phenomena.

Editorial

Jonathan Downes, Director of the CFZ, opens the issue with an apology for its tardiness, explaining that the delay was due to several significant expeditions undertaken by himself and Richard Freeman. Downes recounts his own expedition to Illinois in search of mysterious black cats, which coincided with a cicada plague, and a trip to Puerto Rico with Nick Redfern for a fact-finding mission for a future CFZ expedition. Richard Freeman's expedition to Sumatra in pursuit of the 'orang pendek' is also highlighted. Downes also shares personal news, including his diagnosis of diabetes and the recent death of Richard Freeman's father. He announces the dates for the 2005 Weird Weekend event in Exeter.

The Faculty of the Centre for Fortean Zoology

This section details the structure and personnel of the CFZ. It lists the Permanent Directorate, including Hon. Life President Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Director Jonathan Downes, Deputy Director Graham Inglis, Zoological Director Richard Freeman, and other key roles. It also lists the Board of Consultants, featuring experts in various fields such as zoology, palaeontology, cryptozoology, and art history, including notable figures like Dr Karl Shuker and Loren Coleman.

Regional Representatives

A comprehensive list of regional representatives for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the USA, and International locations is provided. This indicates a widespread network of individuals associated with the CFZ.

News File

New and Rediscovered Bone Home

This article reports on the discovery of two new species of worms, *Osedax frankpressi*, living on the bones of dead whales in California's Monterey Bay. These worms, discovered at a depth of approximately 9,400 feet, lack eyes, stomachs, and mouths, and possess feathery plumes for gills and greenish roots that burrow into the bone. Lead researcher Greg Rouse noted that these worms are ecologically similar to dandelions, rapidly producing eggs and dispersing widely. The worms are related to giant vent worms and possess bacteria that digest fats from whale bones. The researchers concluded that the two species diverged approximately 42 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of whales. The source cited is *Bull. B.O.C. vol 124, no. 2 June 2004*.

The Long and Winding Lane

This piece details the discovery of a new bird species in Peru, first observed by Daniel Lane nearly four years prior. Lane, a bird-watching tour guide, spotted the unusual yellowish bird in Manu National Park. After years of it eluding him, he and his group finally saw and recorded it again, leading to the collection of a specimen. The bird is described as a tanager with a short, bushy crest, olive wings and tail, and a burnt orange crown. The source is ABC Science Online, Thursday, 8 July 2004.

Schindler's Fish

The article announces the identification of the world's smallest known vertebrate: a tiny fish found in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The stout infantfish (*Schindleria brevipinguis*), measuring 7 to 8 mm long, was collected in 1979 but took until recently to be verified as a new species. Researchers from the Australian Museum, working with U.S. scientists, described the fish. It is paedomorphic, retaining larval characteristics into adulthood, which allows for rapid reproduction. Its lack of pigment and scales makes it resemble tadpoles. The source is the journal *Records of the Australian Museum*.

The Thrash Street Kids

This news item reports the rediscovery of the Cozumel Thrasher, a bird thought to be extinct, on the island of Cozumel off Mexico's Caribbean coast. The bird, not seen for ten years, was previously numbered around 10,000 but suffered significant losses after Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. The Cozumel Thrasher is described as a brown and white bird, about 9 inches long, with a long, curved bill and a 'complex scratchy warbling' song. The discovery by the American Bird Conservancy and Conservation International offers optimism for finding other rare species. The source is The Associated Press, 7/9/2004.

Rat-Tail Tale

Brazilian scientists have identified a new species of fish, belonging to the Chimaera genus, discovered in the south Atlantic Ocean at depths of 400 to 600 meters. The fish, named *Hydrolagus mattallansi*, is about 30-40 cm long and has a snub nose, wing-like side fins, and a stinger tail. Ichthyologist Jules Soto discovered the fish on a Spanish fishing boat in 2001. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that no Chimaera species existed off the Brazilian coast. The source is DPA, June 12th.

Mouse (slight return)

Researchers have found a potentially new species of mouse on a Philippine island. The 15-gram rodent, with a 4-inch tail and strong toes, is distinct from other known Philippine mice. Eric Rickart, curator of vertebrates at the Utah Museum of Natural History, led the research. The mouse, which can appear bright orange depending on the light, has unusually long whiskers. Researchers hope to catch more specimens for further study. The source is The Associated Press, Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

Gregory IV

This section details the discovery of the first specimen of a fourth known species of peccary in South America. The German cinematographer Lothar Frenz documented the discovery of the giant peccary in the Amazon region of Rio Aripuana. The new species is larger and behaves differently from known peccaries like the white-lipped and collared peccary. Frenz and his accompanying Dutch naturalist Marc Van Roosmalen abstained from eating the animal, but collected remains for genetic study. The source is DPA, June 12th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the fringes of zoology, encompassing cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and the discovery of new or rediscovered species. The CFZ positions itself as a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating these areas, often highlighting expeditions and scientific research that push the boundaries of conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the contributions of both amateur researchers and mainstream science, while also maintaining a critical perspective on scientific methodologies, as suggested by the 'Gregory IV' section's commentary.

This issue of "Animals & Men," titled "Issue 34," published around May 25th, 2004, focuses on a variety of intriguing animal discoveries, cryptid sightings, and scientific explorations.

Leopard Spotted in Georgia

The cover story details the rediscovery of a leopard in Georgia, a country where the big cat was thought to be extinct. Zoologists were alerted by unusually large footprints in the Vashlovani State Reserve, leading to the discovery of a single leopard, nicknamed Noah, captured on remote-sensing cameras. Despite being the only leopard spotted since 1954, there are fears for Noah's safety due to poaching. Local people had reported sightings of "huge, cat-like" creatures in the mountains in the late 1990s, which zoologists initially doubted but continued to investigate. The discovery of plaster casts of footprints in 2003 confirmed the leopard's presence. Poachers were also photographed in the area, raising concerns for Noah's survival.

Rusty Gravedigger Crawfish

The article "STUCK INSIDE OF MOBILE" reports on the rediscovery of the rusty gravedigger, a brick-colored crawfish believed to be extinct. This species, found only in a small stretch of D'Olive Creek near the Daphne sewer treatment plant, had not been seen since 1990. After a two-week search, reporters documented a colony of these crawfish in a wetlands area, a find confirmed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service scientists.

Herr Shark

"HERR SHARK" describes a new species of shark discovered at a German aquarium that uses its fins to hop rather than swim. The 27-inch-long animal, sent from a zoo in Austria, has inflexible eyes, large teeth, and hair. It moves by hopping and its fins move like a whale's. Researchers are trying to trace its origin, noting it was sold privately and passed through several hands before reaching the aquarium.

Rail Against His Servants

"RAIL AGAINST HIS SERVANTS" announces the discovery of a new species of flightless bird on a remote island in the Philippines, named the Calayan rail. This discovery is significant because flightless birds on small islands are particularly vulnerable to extinction. The bird is described as being about the size of a crow, with a bright red beak and legs contrasting with its dark plumage. Its flightless nature and unexplored location make it intriguing, with scientists noting that no ornithologist had explored the island since 1903.

The Purple Rail of Hiva Oa

A "FACTFILE" discusses the mystery rail of Hiva-Oa, known locally as the Koao. Explorer Thor Heyerdahl described it in 1937 as a fast-moving bird the size of a long-legged gull. French explorer Francis Maziere recorded in 1956 that it had vestigial wings, long legs, a bluish-purple color, and a yellow beak. There is speculation that it might be related to the takahe, a giant flightless moorhen from New Zealand, supported by the discovery of ancient bones on the island.

Deep Sea Mysteries

"THERE'LL BE NO ACCUSATIONS..." details a deep-sea exploration of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Marine scientists discovered several suspected new species and a baffling mystery creature, described as brightly colored, about a foot long, with a well-defined forepaw and tail. Efforts to bring the creature to the surface failed. The expedition also identified nearly 300 species of fish, including a bottom-dwelling, semi-transparent fish and a deep-sea fish with a dangling lure. Additionally, scientists found perfectly straight, evenly spaced lines of 2-inch-wide holes "stitched" into the seabed, the origin of which is unknown.

Champ Chomp

"CHAMP CHOMP" recounts a sighting by five Maryland residents at Lake Champlain of the legendary 'Champ'. The group described seeing three humps, two to three feet tall and four to five feet apart, undulating like a snake. They believe they saw the creature, which one described as dark black and snake-like.

Lake and Sea Monsters

"SHE'S GONNA PUT A LITTLE BIT OF SALT ON HIS TAIL" features a report from a woman in British Columbia who believes she saw the legendary Ogopogo monster. She described hearing a loud bang on the water and seeing three long, shiny, black humps, and earlier, a dinosaur-shaped head and neck.

Caddyshock

"CADDYSHOCK" describes a sighting by Tyler Innes on Taylor Beach, Vancouver, of a "pretty strange" animal cruising the water. He described it as having a row of humps along its spine, decreasing in size, and possibly a head and neck structure. The appearance matched accounts of a Cadborosaurus sighting. Tourism Oak Bay is offering a prize for authenticated video footage or photographs of Cadborosaurus.

Salmon Chanted Evening

"SALMON CHANTED EVENING" reports on a planned expedition by Chinese scientists to search for "lake monsters" in Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture. Rumors of mysterious monsters in Kanasi Lake have persisted for centuries. In 1985, researchers discovered dozens of huge red fish, 10 to 15 meters long, identified as a species of Taimen, a large salmonid.

Squid Stats

"SQUID STATS" provides information on the giant squid, Architeuthis, the largest invertebrate on Earth. Recent research by Dr. Neil H. Landman and colleagues studied statoliths, bonelike particles in the squid's head, to determine their age and habitat. They found the squid lived at depths of 600 to 1,000 feet and were 14 years or less old. The section also lists recent giant squid catches in the Canary Islands and Falkland Islands, noting that one specimen from the Falklands was too ammoniated for consumption.

New Zealand Giant Squid

A 5.2-meter-long giant squid, weighing about 300 kilograms, washed up on Farewell Spit in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation ranger Mike Ogle was stunned, noting it was larger than expected.

Writher in the Murk

"WRITHER IN THE MURK" discusses the theory that Loch Ness monster and other lake monsters are giant eels that have become sterile due to unknown chemical agents, leading to immense size. This theory was bolstered by two Canadian girls and a Scottish friend who reported seeing an enormous eel, 28 to 30 feet long, in Loch Ness. However, Loch Ness monster expert Steve Feltham suggested it might have been lengths of alkathene pipe from a nearby fish farm.

Don't Have a Cow Man

"DON'T HAVE A COW MAN" is a peculiar anecdote about health officials in Romania investigating a strange smell of gas. They found a 74-year-old pensioner, Gyenge Lajos, storing a dead cow in his living room, which he was eating incrementally. Police had to be called to remove the cow.

Obituaries: Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer

The issue includes an obituary for Marjorie Eileen Doris Courtenay-Latimer (1907-2004), who played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Coelacanth. The obituary details her life, her interest in fossil fish, her role as curator of the East London museum, and her collaboration with Dr. J. L. B. Smith that led to the identification of the Coelacanth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features stories about new species discoveries, unexplained phenomena, and explorations of the natural world, often with a focus on cryptids and unusual animal behavior. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and reporting on scientific findings, anecdotal evidence, and ongoing mysteries in zoology and cryptozoology. There's a clear interest in the unknown and the possibility of undiscovered or thought-to-be-extinct creatures.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 34
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and the Coelacanth

The issue begins by detailing the life and work of Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, the discoverer of the coelacanth. It recounts how the fish was found by a trawler off the Chalumna river and subsequently sent to her in East London. Smith, a colleague, named the fish *Latimeria chalumnae* after her. Courtenay-Latimer's contributions extended beyond this discovery; she became the director of the East London Museum in 1945, pioneered the 'diorama' concept in South African museums, and wrote a book on wild flowers. She also investigated a 'flying monster' report from Namibia, which she concluded might have been an injured python. Furthermore, she lent a controversial Dodo egg to the museum, which was examined by scientists who debated its origin.

Ian Freeman (1948-2004)

A brief obituary for Ian Freeman, father of CFZ Zoological Director Richard Freeman, is included. Richard Freeman stated that his father had not been involved with cryptozoology, but the author, Richard, disagreed, acknowledging Ian's role in siring a 'Gothic Cryptozoologist'.

Jack Williams

This section is a tribute to Jack Williams, described as a jovial and humble individual who worked behind the scenes. The author, Jon Downes, recounts a personal experience at a UFO conference in Mesquite where Jack's welcoming nature helped him overcome social dread. The piece emphasizes Jack's selfless love and generosity towards others.

Nick Redfern's Letters From America: The Hexham Heads

Nick Redfern discusses the 'Hexham Heads' mystery from Britain, which is slated to be the subject of a forthcoming book by Paul Slattery. The story began in February 1972 when two eleven-year-old brothers in Hexham, England, unearthed two carved stone heads. Peculiar incidents followed in their home, including objects moving and a sister's bed being showered with glass. The phenomena escalated when a 'half man, half beast' creature was seen entering a neighbor's house. Dr. Anne Ross, a Celtic culture researcher, later acquired the heads and also encountered a similar creature. The creature was described as about six feet high, black, and stooping. Dr. Ross eventually disposed of the heads, stating an 'evil presence' in the house. The current whereabouts of the heads are unknown. Interestingly, a previous owner of the house claimed to have carved the heads as toys, though tests on their age remain inconclusive.

New Books and BFRO Expeditions

This section highlights new books in the cryptozoology field, including re-releases of John Green's 'Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us' and Chris Murphy's 'Meet The Sasquatch'. It also criticizes the Bigfoot Field Researcher's Organisation (BFRO) for charging participants for Bigfoot 'Roundup' expeditions, noting that no encounters were reported and that the BFRO used one of the author's photos without permission.

Bigfoot Central and Recent Sightings

Robert Morgan, a Bigfoot researcher and presenter for the 'Artist First' radio station, quit his show. Loren Coleman briefly took over but resigned due to pressure to interview Jon-Erik Beckjord, who believes Bigfoot are shape-shifting aliens. The 'Artist First' show was subsequently axed. The section also mentions a 'New York Video' investigated by the BFRO, showing a possible chimp-like creature. Recent sightings include a dark, ape-like creature in Ohio that appeared to chase a car, and a tall, black, hominid-like silhouette seen in Idaho.

Greg Long and the 'Suit Man'

This part addresses allegations that author Greg Long paid Bob Heironimus ('the suit guy') $5,000. Long denied this, but when pressed during a radio interview, refused to answer, leading the author to believe the situation 'stinks'.

An Abject Apology

This section, usually managed by Mark Fraser chronicling mystery cat research, is taken over by the editor. The delay in updating the ABC Study Group website and publishing Mark Fraser's book on UK mystery cat sightings is explained by the CFZ team working excessive hours. Rachel Carthy has offered to help administer the big cat newsletters. The editor also apologizes to Mark Fraser for the shabby dissemination of his research and for his inability to attend the Weird Weekend due to car disasters.

Return to Sumatra: Into the Lost Valley

This article details the second CFZ expedition to Sumatra. The team failed to meet a witness on a previous visit, but Debbie Martyr later spoke to a poacher who had encountered a strange, ape-like creature in the jungle. The creature was described as about a meter in height, black-furred, and powerfully built, capable of breaking a spear. Hair samples brought back from Sumatra were examined by Dr. Lars Thomas, who identified smaller grey hairs as Malayan tapir and longer brown ones as feline, specifically matching the golden cat. The expedition also aimed to find the 'lost valley' and encountered the titan arum, the world's largest flower. They also investigated reports of orang-pendek and a giant ant (*Camponotus gigas*). Another witness, Seman, described seeing a creature about 80cm to a meter tall, with short black hair, a broad chest, and a conical head, which fled into a river.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on cryptozoological discoveries, sightings, and research expeditions. There is a strong emphasis on investigating unexplained phenomena, from ancient mysteries like the coelacanth and the Hexham Heads to modern Bigfoot and orang-pendek reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning claims while also presenting evidence and theories from researchers in the field. The publication also highlights new books and critical analyses of organizations within the cryptozoological community.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 31
Date: Undetermined, but likely late 1990s based on content.
Publisher: Animals & Men
Country: Indonesia (publication location implied by content)
Language: English

This issue of 'Animals & Men' chronicles an expedition to Sumatra, focusing on the search for cryptids and the exploration of local folklore and linguistics. The narrative follows the author and companions, including guides Sahar and Pak En, as they navigate the challenging terrain of the lost valley and interact with indigenous tribes, particularly the Kubu.

Expedition to the Lost Valley

The expedition faces numerous challenges, including difficult and muddy terrain, swarms of insects, and the constant threat of leeches. They encounter various wildlife, such as pig-tailed macaques, sun bears, and a unique bird known as the Short-Tailed Frogmouth. The journey involves crossing treacherous rivers and scrambling down steep cliffs to reach a remote valley.

Encounters and Observations

During their trek, the group experiences several notable events. They are bitten by ants and a large, venomous spider. They also observe a hunting wasp paralyzing a grasshopper. Ata, an explorer, reports an encounter with a creature described as one meter tall with short black hair, large owl-like eyes, a flat nose, and a large mouth, which he drew.

Another man reports finding orang-pendek footprints on his cornfields on three occasions. The guide, Sahar, shares a story about a giant snake captured by the Kubu tribe, which was later found to be significantly smaller than initially reported, suggesting a possible scam by a zoo owner.

The group also encounters a young boy named Ragui with deformed feet, which are described as pointing backward, a trait associated with shape-shifting spirits in Islamic folklore.

The Kubu Tribe and Folklore

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to interactions with the Kubu tribe. The chief, Nylan, confirms the capture of a large python, stating it was 2.3 feet (7 meters) long, and that they had released a larger 26-foot (8 meter) specimen. The Kubu also share their beliefs about giant snakes, which they claim grow horns and eventually transform into Indo-Pacific crocodiles, referred to as 'naga'. This belief is presented as unique to the Kubu.

Nylan also recounts a recent sighting of an orang-pendek, describing it as 1.25 meters tall with red-tinted black hair, walking upright with a broad mouth.

Cryptozoology and Linguistics

Mark Newbrook contributes an article exploring the intersection of cryptozoology and linguistics. He posits that linguistic forms and discourse patterns used in discussing cryptids can reveal local community views and world-views. This includes examining how cryptids are named, classified (e.g., by gender-like systems), and how language is used to describe them.

Newbrook discusses how the naming of cryptids, whether borrowed from local languages or coined scientifically, carries linguistic and sociolinguistic implications. He highlights examples like the Maori name 'waitoreke' and Australian terms 'yahoo' and 'yowie' for sasquatch-like creatures.

The article also touches upon reports of cryptids exhibiting pre-linguistic or quasi-linguistic behavior, and the broader debate on non-human animal communication systems. It notes that while some cryptids are described as speaking, such as the duende in Belizean folklore, data for analysis is scarce.

Linguistic Evidence and Cryptid Perception

Linguistic evidence is presented to show how languages classify nouns, which can extend to cryptids, suggesting whether they are perceived as animals, humans, or supernatural beings. The use of terms like 'orang' (person) in Indonesian and Malay for cryptids is discussed, alongside English terms like 'owl-man'.

Other Issues in Cryptozoology

Newbrook also briefly mentions other linguistic issues in cryptozoology, such as the debate over the term 'cryptozoology' itself and the concept of 'lexi-linking'. He concludes that there is significant scope for interdisciplinary work between cryptozoology and linguistics.

Conclusion and Future Plans

The expedition concludes with the author sending a hair sample for analysis and expressing a strengthened conviction in the existence of the orang-pendek. The author also speculates about the possibility of undiscovered species of horned snakes related to the 'naga'. Future plans include a return trip to concentrate on the Kubu and their folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in cryptozoology, exploring anecdotal evidence, local folklore, and scientific investigation. The editorial stance seems to favor open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis and the potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the 'Fragrant Flower' incident. The integration of linguistic analysis into cryptozoological research suggests a multidisciplinary approach.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 34
Date: 2004 (implied)

This issue of 'Animals & Men' primarily focuses on a critical review of Greg Long's book, 'The Making of Bigfoot', and provides coverage of the CFZ Weird Weekend conference.

J'accuse: A Review of Greg Long's 'The Making of Bigfoot'

The article, written by Paul Vella, presents a strong critique of Greg Long's book, which aims to debunk the Patterson-Gimlin Film (PGF) as a hoax. Vella begins by recounting Kal K. Korff's announcement of the book at the Fortean Times UnConvention 2003, where Korff allegedly advertised the book instead of lecturing on its content. Vella lists four points made by Korff regarding the book's claims:

1. "we" (Korff & Long) have deposed dozens of witnesses.
2. Patterson knew he was dying and wanted to leave something for his wife.
3. Patterson was planning on building a Bigfoot theme park.
4. The man in the suit walks that way because he had been in a car accident.

Vella refutes these points, stating that Greg Long interviewed people in person and over the phone, but not all witnesses were deposed, and not all were interviewed by Korff. He also challenges the claim about Patterson's impending death and the idea of a theme park, citing a friend of Patterson's who stated Patterson had no reason to believe he was going to die.

Kal K. Korff's Influence

Vella details his prior exchanges with Kal Korff on an Internet Forum, where Korff claimed to be cooperating with the police regarding charges against Bob Gimlin for 'Consumer Fraud'. Vella dismisses this, noting that American police do not handle consumer fraud and that Greg Long was unaware of this. Korff also allegedly stated they would recreate the PGF and make Bob Gimlin confess, a claim Vella debunks by stating the original suit is not available.

The Patterson-Gimlin Film and Bob Kiviat

The article brings in TV producer Bob Kiviat, who, along with Kal Korff, was responsible for the 1998 FOX TV special 'World's Greatest Hoaxes: Secrets Finally Revealed'. This show, according to Vella, was a 'dreadful show' that exposed various hoaxes. The article highlights that Korff and Kiviat claimed in 1998 that Patterson was on the payroll of a Salt Lake City film company called ANE, and that an ANE employee, Jerry Romney, was 'the man in the suit'. However, Vella points out that Patterson's first contact with ANE was in late 1968/early 1969, contradicting the 1967 timeframe of the film.

Korff's assertion that the suit had a zipper up the back, based on the claim that 'no primate has a hairline running up its back', is ridiculed by Vella. He also notes that Korff and Kiviat obtained permission from Patricia Patterson to use footage by initially presenting the show's title as 'Worlds Greatest' before revealing the true title, questioning the honesty of Long's book.

The Radio Show and Bob Heironimus

Vella recounts listening to a radio broadcast where Kal Korff, Greg Long, Bob Kiviat, and the 'mystery suit man' were interviewed. The suit man was identified as Bob Heironimus. Vella presents Heironimus' claims about the film site and the suit:

• Heironimus claims he drove to the film site in his mother's car, a 14-hour drive.
• The suit was in three pieces.
• Patterson told him how to 'do the walk'.
• The film was shot in one take.

Vella disputes these claims, stating that his own visit to the film site in 2003 revealed it was a long drive and not easily accessible or overlooked as described. He also notes that while Heironimus claims to be telling the truth and has 'nothing to gain', he hired a lawyer in 1999 to sell his story to the highest bidder. Rumours suggest Heironimus and Barry Woodward discussed selling the story as early as 1998.

The Book's Structure and Content

Vella describes 'The Making of Bigfoot' as a 476-page book published by Prometheus Press, which is associated with 'Skeptical Enquirer'. He suggests Kal Korff, employed as Long's publicist, was instrumental in bringing them together. Vella criticizes the book for its lack of editing, calling much of it 'waffle' and suggesting it could have been significantly shorter. He states that 80% of the book consists of heavily edited interviews, many of which appear to have been 'led' by Long. Vella believes Long started the book with an agenda to assassinate the character of Roger Patterson, focusing on the film being a hoax and Patterson being a bad man who didn't pay his debts.

Long's investigation is described as thorough but fatally flawed by these limitations. He focused on people in the Yakima valley who would support his narrative, neglecting to investigate the California location where the film was actually shot. This oversight, Vella argues, made Long blind to the fact that Bob Heironimus, who claimed to have driven there to act in the film, had likely never been there.

The Suit Maker vs. The Suit Wearer

Philip Morris, owner of Morris Costumes, claims Patterson bought a standard gorilla costume for $435 but later stated Patterson never paid him. Morris never met Patterson. Morris claims he recognized the suit on TV, yet admits he doesn't make suits with breasts, which the PGF creature clearly has. Morris has a history of seeking publicity, including a failed lawsuit against the makers of the Austin Powers movies.

Bob Heironimus claims the suit was made from horsehide, while Morris states it was made from a synthetic material called Dynol. Heironimus insists the suit was in three parts (head, torso, legs), whereas Morris states it was in six parts. Morris explains how to make the arms look longer using gloves on sticks, which Heironimus claims he wore. Heironimus describes putting the top half on like a T-shirt, while Morris says his suit was mostly one piece with a 3ft zipper. Morris also states the mask was not his and was likely made by Patterson, with the nose being Heironimus' own nose with latex applied. Heironimus, however, claims the head was made from a football helmet and Patterson added a prosthetic eye.

Greg Long's Examination of the Film

Vella criticizes Long's examination of the PGF, stating he used a poor-quality VHS copy and made assumptions. Vella, having access to a high-quality restored version, sees muscles moving under the fur and does not see the 'latex feet' that Long claims are visible. Long's assertion that an arch on the right foot in frame 323 proves the film is fake is dismissed as laughable, as Long was actually looking at the left foot.

Film Development Issues

Greg Long correctly points out problems with the film development, but Vella argues this further undermines Long's story. The traditional account states the film was shot on Friday, October 20th, 1967, and then taken to Al Hodgeson in Willow Creek. Patterson then drove to Eureka and mailed the film to his brother-in-law in Yakima. The film was allegedly watched on Sunday, October 22nd, 1967. Long claims Kodachrome II film could not be developed on a weekend in Seattle, as shops would normally send it to California. However, Vella notes that Chris Murphy spoke to Kodak, who stated that at least one outfit in Seattle could develop the film onsite. The problem is that Heironimus claims he was sent to Eureka to mail the film, which Vella suggests means he should remember Willow Creek and its distance from the film site.

Greg Long's Response

In an online forum, Greg Long responded to criticism by accusing commentators of 'nitpicking' his book and spending 'ZERO PERCENT' of their time disproving his claims. He questioned the relevance of when his book was published and challenged critics to prove Patterson was an honest man.

Vella's Conclusion

Paul Vella concludes his review by stating, "In short, this book is trash don't buy it!". He offers to lend his copy to readers or connect them with someone else who will, urging them not to give their money to Greg Long.

CFZ Weird Weekend 2004

The latter part of the magazine covers the fifth CFZ Weird Weekend conference. The event was described as a roaring success, with a change in reporting style from previous years, featuring an ongoing diary by Graham Inglis.

Thursday 19th August

The day began with an eve-of-conference cocktail party. The report notes that speakers were dropping out, including Nick Redfern due to 'passport complications', which sparked conspiracy theories.

Friday 20th August

Friday started in the evening, with many attendees arriving on Saturday. The author acted as a taxi driver for much of the afternoon, collecting people from the railway station.

Saturday 21st August

This day featured a variety of speakers, including a magistrate, a drug fiend, an astrophysicist, a fossil expert, a gothic historian, and others. Talks included:

• Darren Naish on aquatic cryptids.
• Merrily Harpur on big cats.
• Ronan Coghlan on British Bigfoot.
• Gail Nina-Anderson on monsters in art.
• Patrick Harpur on the little people.
• Scott Wood on vampires.
• Richard Freeman on hunting apemen in Sumatra.

A puppet smelling of fish was also present. The technical aspects of the conference improved, with video recording and PowerPoint presentations, though the lighting for speakers was described as a 'video operator's nightmare'.

Sunday 22nd August

The final day saw attendees arriving late, and talks running overtime. Chris Moiser spoke about British raccoons. Darren Naish discussed mystery whales, and raffle prizes were distributed. The event concluded with Dave Curtis singing an Elvis Presley song, followed by a meal at a Russian restaurant. During the meal, the visuals man's car was broken into, and some items were stolen. The author notes the availability of 60 types of vodka at the restaurant and mentions it was also Jon's 45th birthday.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards claims presented as fact, particularly concerning cryptozoological subjects. The review of Greg Long's book exemplifies this, dissecting arguments and highlighting inconsistencies with a forensic approach. The coverage of the CFZ Weird Weekend, while reporting on the events, often includes wry observations and a touch of humor, suggesting a balanced but not uncritical perspective on the fortean community's activities. The editorial note explicitly states that the views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and not necessarily the publishers, allowing for a range of opinions within the magazine's scope.

Title: Animals & Men
Issue: 54
Volume: 31
Date: Various dates between December 13 1810 and August 15 1844, with the primary focus on historical accounts leading up to 1844. The publication itself is dated 2004.
Publisher: CFZ Communications
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Letters to the Editor

Raccoons in Britain

This section features correspondence from Chris Moiser, who continues his investigation into the presence of raccoons in Great Britain. He presents three historical accounts from The Times:

1. December 13, 1810: A wolf and a raccoon escaped from an itinerant showman named Perkins near Empingham, Rutlandshire. The raccoon was not recovered, and several sheep went missing.
2. February 1, 1812: A raccoon was found in the woods at Lord Grosvenor's estate in Eaton (Eccleston Gate near Chester), presumed to have escaped from a travelling showman.
3. August 22, 1844: A farmer in Ilfracombe trapped a raccoon. Another was found in Lynton, and a third near Ilfracombe. These are believed to have arrived in the UK via timber vessels from America. The report is credited to the North Devon Advertiser, though the date of this newspaper is noted as being 1855, while the report itself is dated 1844. A similar report was found in the North Devon Journal for August 15, 1844.

Moiser also references a shipwreck on April 16, 1844, involving the brig Frances, which sank near Ilfracombe carrying mahogany and dyewood from Belize. He suggests that any raccoons that may have escaped from this vessel could have been at large for up to four months. He notes the distance between the first two incidents (approx. 90 miles) and the time gap (13 months), considering it unlikely they are the same animal, though he acknowledges that raccoons can travel up to 266 kilometers.

Moiser requests any further details about raccoons in the UK from readers.

The Starchild Enigma and other matters

Tom Anderson from Aberdeen contributes a letter addressing "The Starchild Enigma" and "Pye in the Sky theory." He shares a personal experience of seeing a photograph of a mummy found in Central America, described as "homo-simian" and sitting in a foetal position, estimating its height at one meter. He notes that this mummy predated "Pedro" (from Wyoming in the 1930s) and has since vanished.

Anderson also mentions a recent albino lobster relocation to a Sea Life Centre and the death of ten Burmese Brown tortoises at the defunct Glasgow Zoo. He notes that the zoo has gone bust, with most animals rehomed except for two black bears.

Reviews

This issue features several book reviews:

• "A Life on Air" by David Attenborough (BBC Books): Reviewed by JD, this book is praised as a "stonker" and a marvellous account of Attenborough's life and work, particularly his experiences filming Komodo Dragons in the 1950s and the making of the "Life on Earth" series. The reviewer highlights Attenborough's modesty and self-effacing style.

• "The Great New England Sea Serpent: Sighted by Many Respectable Persons Between 1638 and the Present Day" by J. P. O'Neill (Paraview Special Editions): This review focuses on the mass sightings of sea serpents off the New England coast. Marine biologist Richard Ellis is quoted calling the Gloucester monster "one of the great mysteries of sea serpent lore." The book is lauded for its detailed research, uncovering forgotten reports. Sightings decreased in the late 19th century but saw a resurgence in the late 1990s. The review also briefly mentions "Caddy" on the western coast of America.

• "The Dictionary of Cryptozoology" by Ronan Coghlan (Xiphos Books): This book is presented as a more affordable and humorous alternative to George M. Eberhart's "Mysterious Creatures." It is described as a scholarly tome filled with fascinating information and includes examples of cryptids such as the Freshwater Sea-Cow (Chad/Ethiopia), Teyu-Yague (Argentina), Hsiao (China), and Nahuelito (Argentina).

• "Cryptozoology: Science and Speculation" by Chad Arment (ISBN 1-930585-15-2): Chad Arment, a founder of Internet Cryptozoology, is recognized for his work moderating the [email protected] newsgroup and editing "The North American Bio-Fortean Review." This book is described as an authoritative textbook on cryptozoological theory and practice, with the latter half focusing on lesser-known cryptids and case studies. Examples include "Dwarf seals" reported by the Copper Eskimos and Victorian accounts of the "Bodach" from the Hebrides.

• "The Man Eating Crocodiles of Borneo" by James Ritchie with Johnson Jong: This review asserts that saltwater crocodiles are more fearsome predators than great white sharks. The book details horrific massacres attributed to a particularly ferocious crocodile named Bujang Senang in Sarawak, which was believed to be impervious to bullets. The review notes that the caught crocodile was 19 feet 3 inches, but locals claimed an even larger one, around 35 feet, haunted the area.

• "The Monster of God, The Man Eating Predator in the Jungles of History and the Mind" by David Quammen Hutchinson: This book is described as a sentimentality-free examination of wilderness, people, and animals. It identifies "Leviathan" as the "monster of the title" and predicts the extinction of the world's great predators within 150 years. Quammen's research explores human-predator interactions, noting that the marginalized are often the victims. Examples include Asian lions, Siberian tigers, brown bears, and Indo-Pacific crocodiles in India and Northern Australia. The review discusses the "muskrat conundrum" and how it applies to human-predator dynamics.

• "Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the west" by Eric Baratay and Elisabeth Hardouuin-Fugie (Reaktion Books): This book charts the history of zoological collections in the West from 1500 onwards, covering art, stuffed collections, cabinets of curiosity, and travelling menageries. It also details the history of zoos, including London, Rotterdam, and Basel, and features notable collectors like the Hagenbecks. The review praises the photography but notes some errors, such as mislabeling crocodiles as alligators and a whale skeleton as a dinosaur skeleton.

• "Alien Zoo - The A-Z of Zooform Phenomena" by Neil Arnold: This is described as Neil Arnold's third privately published work on the weirder aspects of cryptozoology. It serves as a companion to Ronan Coghlan's book, providing a rundown on supernatural entities with believability ratings. Entries include "Tin-tin" (a bat-demon from Ecuador) and "Isitwalangcengce" (a Zulu Hyena spirit).

The Sycophant

This regular feature introduces "The Sycophant," a character described as a strange figure living beneath Loch Ness who steals ideas and pours ridicule. The current installment discusses the editor's trip to Puerto Rico and his appearance on the Sci-Fi Channel, which the Sycophant views as "selling out." The editor is depicted flaunting "comedy breasts" and bringing back bizarre Puerto Rican forest snails. The Sycophant also touches on a security alert at JFK airport during the editor's return journey and speculates on the reasons for the lax search.

And There's More.....

This section continues the commentary on the editor's trip, featuring a picture related to "CHUPACABRAS." The Sycophant criticizes the editor for appearing on the Sci-Fi Channel and for bringing back Puerto Rican forest snails. It also mentions a security alert at JFK airport and the editor's past statement that America should rejoin the British Empire.

The Cryptozoology Files

A cartoon by Mark North titled "The Cryptozoology Files" depicts a gorilla-like creature looking at a painting and exclaiming "HIERONYMUS? BOSH!"

Magazine Listings

This section provides a directory of other publications and organizations that may be of interest to readers, including those focused on Bigfoot, cryptozoology, conspiracy theories, and Fortean phenomena. Listings include contact information for various centers and journals across the UK and USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on cryptozoology, unexplained phenomena, and zoological curiosities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unusual subjects, with a particular interest in historical accounts and book reviews that explore the fringes of natural history and folklore. The "Letters to the Editor" section encourages reader participation and the sharing of information. The "Sycophant" feature provides a more satirical and critical perspective on some of the magazine's subjects and personalities.