Cryptozoology Review - Vol 1 No 1 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: Summer 1996
Publisher: Ben S. Roesch and John Moore
Type: Magazine Issue

Contents

This inaugural issue of The Cryptozoology Review (TCR) presents a diverse range of articles and reports on cryptids and the field of cryptozoology. The publication is a quarterly journal aiming for high cryptozoological and scientific standards, with contributions from various staff members and external authors.

Editor's Page

Ben S. Roesch, Editor/Publisher, welcomes readers to the first issue, expressing his long-held desire to create such a publication. He explains that TCR will be a quarterly journal with a basic content as outlined on the first page, with plans for new departments. The content will adhere to high cryptozoological and scientific standards, with room for humor and entertainment. Roesch emphasizes that he is the primary editor-in-chief but acknowledges the help of several staff members. He invites submissions of cryptozoological articles and mentions that payment will be in copies. Subscription details are provided: $7.50 US, $10.00 Canadian, £5.00 UK, with a lifetime subscription at $100 US. TCR is a non-profit publication. The magazine is stapled on the side with writing on both sides of each page. Roesch encourages feedback and thanks readers for their support.

Staff and Contributors

Editor/Publisher: Ben S. Roesch
Associate Editor: John Moore
Contributing Editors: Bufo Calvin, Loren Coleman, Darren Naish, Gordon Rutter
Correspondents: Terry Colvin, Peter Darben, Peter Massaro
Artists: Jarrett Lee, Darren Naish, Russ Fletcher
Editorial Consultants: Robert Tuck Jr.

Articles and Reports

A Compendium of Cryptids

This section compiles recent news and findings in cryptozoology.

#### A Rediscovery in Tibet

The Tibetan red deer, or shou, has been rediscovered in its natural habitat near Lhasa, Tibet, after a forty-year absence. An expedition from the Wildlife Conservation Society, led by zoologist George Schaller, found over 100 deer. The rediscovery was prompted by Schaller seeing two captive stags in 1988. Heavy hunting had decimated the wild population, but the Tibetan government is now implementing conservation measures, including guards and a potential special reserve.

#### A New Sighting of Caddy - And Photos Too!

Two Welsh teenagers, Martin Jones and Martin Brophy, reported sighting and photographing the Cadborosaurus sea serpent off Ten Mile Point, British Columbia, on April 16, 1996. They described the creature as approximately 15 meters long, dark-grayish black, half a meter thick, with large spines on its back spaced about a meter and a half apart. The sighting occurred near Smugglers' Cove. While Jones initially considered it a conger eel, the size is a constraint. Brophy dismissed the seal theory due to the lack of spines and the immense length. The report notes that further details and photos are pending before making assumptions.

#### New Rodent Discovered in the Philippines

A new species of rodent, a nocturnal squirrel-like creature named "The Panay Cloudrunner" (Crateromys heaneyi), was discovered in the Philippines by a team from the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of the Philippines. Local residents brought three specimens to the attention of the researchers. The cloudrunner is agile, slow-moving, weighs about 1 kg, and has a tail longer than its body for balance. It feeds on fruits at night. This is the fourth recorded species of tree-living rodents endemic to the Philippines. The report highlights the rapid disappearance of its habitat due to logging and farming, making its survival in zoos increasingly important.

What Cryptozoology Means

By Loren Coleman, this article explores the definition and scope of cryptozoology. Coleman traces the term's origin to Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans in the 1950s, with its first published use in 1959. He cites Dr. Roy Mackal, who defines it as the study of "hidden" animals, and Dr. Karl Shuker, who translates it as "the study of hidden life." Coleman emphasizes that a key element of current cryptozoology is the incorporation of local traditions, sightings, tales, and folklore of as-yet unverified animals. He concludes that cryptozoology is the study of hidden animals, not formally recognized by Western science, but supported by human testimony.

Special Report: “The Snow-Walker

Title: The Cryptozoology Review
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1
Date: Summer 1996

This issue of The Cryptozoology Review features two main articles: one exploring the mystery of a large marine creature dubbed "The Thing" in St. Lucia, and another investigating the phenomenon of "globsters," unidentified carcasses of giant invertebrates.

"The Thing": A Cryptic Polychaete of St. Lucia

The article by Ben S. Roesch details the cryptozoological investigation into "The Thing," a creature reported by divers at the Anse Chastanet dive resort in St. Lucia. The creature is described as a large, worm-like animal, with eyewitness accounts noting its size (ranging from seven to 15 feet), a corrugated or ribbed body, and leg-like protuberances. Initial reports suggested it might be a mutant worm or sea cucumber, but closer examination of footage revealed an unopposable hallux, ruling out an ape. The creature's hair is described as longer and darker than that of the Patterson-Gimlin subject.

Two primary eyewitness accounts are presented. Flint Smith, a molecular biologist and recreational diver, described seeing a large, legless centipede-like creature about 8 inches long and 1.5-2 inches in diameter during a night dive. He noted it was very fast and disappeared into the coral. He later described it as resembling a section of an undersized lobster tail made into a worm.

Felix Voirol, a Swiss man, reported a similar sighting in summer 1993 during a night dive at Anse Chastanet. He described "The Thing" as the size of a medium moray eel, distinctly copper-coloured and corrugated, disappearing quickly into a crevice. Voirol speculated it might be a mechanical hoax set up by the resort operators for publicity.

However, the author argues against the hoax theory, citing the popularity of the resort and the lack of motive for such a deception. The article proposes that "The Thing" is likely a marine polychaete worm. Marine biologists are said to already have an idea of what family it belongs to, suggesting it is not a complete mystery. Polychaetes are described as segmented marine worms, often with frilly hair-like structures called setae and paddle-shaped appendages called parapodia. They vary in size, but some species can be quite large.

Dr. Susan Marsden, a polychaete expert at McGill University, believes "The Thing" is likely a member of the Eunicidae family. The Red-Gilled Marphysa (Marphysa sanguinea), a species within this family, shares several characteristics with "The Thing," including iridescent speckles, living in mucous-lined tunnels, and having a walrus-like head. However, the reported length of "The Thing" (up to 15 feet) exceeds that of Marphysa sanguinea (up to 60 cm), though some Eunicids can grow up to 3 meters.

Two main reasons are given for why "The Thing" has not been accurately identified:
1. Lack of specimens with heads: Polychaete heads are crucial for species identification, and "The Thing" tends to break apart when handled, meaning heads are rarely recovered.
2. Difficulty in studying allometry: The changes in shape and proportions of polychaetes as they grow larger are not well-understood, making it difficult to distinguish between species, especially for large specimens that tend to resemble each other more than their smaller counterparts.

Despite the lack of definitive identification, the author finds the evidence for "The Thing" to be "practically irrefutable," suggesting it could be a new species or a known small species affected by allometry. The presence of a small community of these creatures at the reef makes the allometry theory less likely.

Michael Allard, a dive master at Anse Chastanet, is quoted as saying, "[W]e know very little about this Thing except [that] it exists and we see it."

What Are The Globsters?

This article by John Moore discusses "globsters," a term coined by Ivan Sanderson for carcasses of giant invertebrates that wash ashore. The article reviews several cases, starting with the first documented globster found in Tasmania in August 1960.

The Tasmanian globster was discovered by Ben Fenton, Jack Boote, and Ray Anthony. It was approximately 20 feet long and 18 feet wide. Scientists examined it in March 1962. Descriptions of the carcass varied: Fenton claimed it had not decomposed and had no smell, while Boote stated it had decomposed and the Hobart Mercury reported it smelled like battery acid.

The expedition found the carcass to be about 20 ft long, 18 ft wide, and 4.5 ft thick, weighing an estimated five to 10 tons. It was described as hard and rubbery, resembling a huge turtle without appendages. It had fine, greasy hair like sheep's wool. The animal had a hump at the front, tapering to a point at the back, with five or six gill-like slits on each side of the fore part. It had four large hanging lobes in the front and a smooth, gullet-like orifice. The margin of the hind part had cushion-like protuberances with sharp spines. The flesh was composed of tendon-like threads in a fatty substance, with no bones encountered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on cryptozoology, presenting research and eyewitness accounts of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and theories while acknowledging the challenges in identifying unknown creatures. The articles aim to explore the possibilities of undiscovered species and phenomena, often drawing on scientific knowledge to analyze the reports.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 1 No. 1, Summer 1996, is dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of 'globsters' – unidentified carcasses that wash ashore.

The First Tasmanian Globster (1962)

The issue details the investigation of a significant globster found in Tasmania. Initially examined by the Mollinson expedition in 1962, the carcass was described as extremely durable. A subsequent government-commissioned expedition, led by John H. Calaby and excluding the original scientists, provided a different report. This new expedition measured the carcass at 8 ft (2.4 m) long, 3 ft (0.9 m) wide, and 10 inches (25 cm) thick, contradicting the earlier expedition's measurements. They found no spines and suggested that desiccated fibrous material from the inside created the 'hair' on the outside. The government's team concluded it was a decomposing portion of a large marine animal, possibly blubber. Senator John Gorton publicly declared it a "a large lump of decomposing blubber, probably torn off a whale."

Mollison collected tissue samples which were analyzed and found to be largely composed of collagen. Collagen is a stiff substance found in cartilage, bone, and connective tissue.

Other Globster Cases

New Zealand Globster (1965)

Another globster was found in March 1965 at Muriwai Beach, New Zealand's North Island. This carcass was 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 8 ft (2.4 m) high. J.E. Morton, head of Auckland University's zoology department, described it as having a tough, quarter-inch thick hide, a layer of fat, and solid meat, covered in hair four to six inches long. However, a Senior Lecturer in Zoology, J. Robb, suggested it was not covered with hair but rather fibres of connective tissue, and believed it was the remains of a whale.

Second Tasmanian Globster (1970)

In 1970, another globster washed ashore in Tasmania, discovered by Ben Fenton. It was described as 8 ft (2.4 m) long, humped, with tough skin, and relatively fresh. Its fate is unknown, and no scientists examined it.

Anastasia Island Globster (1896)

The most famous globster case is from Anastasia Island, Florida, in November 1896. This carcass was 21 ft (6.4 m) long and at least 7 ft (2.1 m) wide, colored pink. Some witnesses reported arms associated with it. Dr. DeWitt Webb identified it as a giant octopus, and A.E. Verrill gave it the Latin name *Octopus giganteus*. However, Verrill later changed his mind and suggested it was a sperm whale carcass.

Bermuda Blob (1988)

Found in May 1988 by Teddy Tucker in Mangrove Bay, Bermuda, this 'Bermuda Blob' was about 8 ft (2.4m) long, rubbery, and tough, described as "very white and fibrous ... with five 'arms or legs,' rather like a disfigured star." It had no bones, cartilage, visible openings, or odor. Tissue samples were analyzed, with one team concluding it was fish skin, while Richard Ellis found this explanation impossible due to the skin's thickness, later suggesting it might be a mola or ocean sunfish.

Queensland Globster (1948)

A carcass washed ashore on Dunk Island, Queensland, Australia, in 1948, weighing several tons. It had tough skin covered with fur, no eyes, but gill-like slits, and resembled a jellyfish. The locals dynamited it due to its stench.

Scottish Globster (1944)

Gerald L. Wood suggested a carcass found in 1944 at Machrihanish, Scotland, was related to globsters. While the photo resembled a "stereotypical globster," it reportedly had large eyes and scaly feet, making a globster identification unlikely. However, Michael Bright noted it lacked a head, while Bernard Heuvelmans stated eyes were present.

Delake Globster ('Jughead') (1950)

Found in Delake, Oregon, in March 1950, this carcass was named "Jughead" by locals. It was 20-22 ft (6.1-6.7 m) long, covered in hair-like material or shredded flesh/feathers. It lacked a head, and was called a "big glob" by a professor. However, other features were not typical of a globster.

Analysis and Theories

Common Characteristics

Globsters generally share common traits: they are "hairy" or fibrous, often white or similarly colored (except for the pink *Octopus giganteus*), usually hard to cut, and tissue samples are typically collagen.

Dissimilarities and Proposed Identifications

Despite commonalities, there are dissimilarities. The first Tasmanian globster's morphology, for instance, cannot be reconciled with an octopus. While some suggest globsters are decayed octopuses, the first Tasmanian globster was described as being in good condition. The presence of fatty substances in this globster is noted, unlike the *Octopus giganteus* samples.

Several theories are reviewed:

1. Giant Ray: Suggested by A.M. Clark, but with no supporting evidence.
2. Outer Space: Proposed by Ivan Sanderson, also lacking evidence.
3. Whale: Senator John Gorton's proposal for the Tasmanian globster, deemed not well-founded as a whale would need to be severely decayed.
4. Basking Shark: Michael Bright and Hugh Trotti suggested this, arguing that the "hair" was muscle fibers and "gills" were those of a basking shark. This is refuted because basking shark gills decay quickly, and they lack globster-sized chunks free of internal organs.

Conclusion on Identification

The article concludes that none of the discussed theories fully explain the globster phenomenon. The best explanation offered is that they are some type of very large invertebrate, though the specific type remains unclear. The author emphasizes that further scientific study of any future finds is necessary to solve the mystery.

Reviews and Resource

Books

"Cadborosaurus: Survivor from the Deep" by Paul LeBlond and Edward Bousfield is reviewed by Ben S. Roesch. The book is praised for its scholarly yet concise presentation of the history and biology of British Columbia's sea serpent, "Caddy." It discusses prominent cases, offers conclusions on Caddy's biology (suggesting it's a reptile, a theory the reviewer disagrees with), and features compelling photos of a supposed dead baby Caddy found in a sperm whale's stomach. The authors scientifically named it *Cadborosaurus willsi*. The review calls the book one of the best cryptozoological reads of the decade.

Periodicals

Animals & Men is a quarterly magazine from The Centre for Fortean Zoology. It is described as providing excellent articles and news on cryptozoology in an attractive, small format. The cost varies by region and shipping method.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding globsters and the scientific challenges in identifying these unusual marine carcasses. The magazine presents various theories and evidence, ultimately concluding that more research is needed. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into cryptozoological phenomena, encouraging further investigation and discussion, as indicated by the editor's welcome for comments.

The Cryptozoology Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, Summer 1996, is a publication dedicated to the study of cryptozoology. This issue features a review of various cryptozoological magazines and newsletters, providing details on their content, editors, costs, and publication schedules.

Featured Publications

The Cryptozoology Review (Staff Member Contributions)

This magazine itself discusses a range of topics including mystery whales, the Migo, a bibliography of cryptozoology books, the Beast of Bodmin, the Orang-Pendek, and Hong Kong tigers. It is described as an excellent publication.

The British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club Newsletter

Edited by Paul LeBlond, this newsletter costs $5.00 Canadian funds and is published four times a year. Each issue is 10-15 pages long and covers the latest cryptozoological news from British Columbia to Tanzania in a fun and informative style. It also features content related to the 'Cadborosaurus'.

Exotic Zoology

Edited by Matt Bille, this bimonthly news-magazine costs $18.00 US funds in the US and $20.00 US funds internationally for regular subscribers, with discounted rates for students and educators. It is described as being in a class of its own, featuring 8 crisp pages of the latest cryptozoological news, two feature articles (one on a mystery animal, another on a recent discovery), and illustrations. Recent articles mentioned include "Australia's Shadow Predators" and "Symbion pandora".

Fortean Times

Published monthly and edited by Bob Rickard and Paul Sieveking, this popular UK publication costs £26.40 in the UK, $59.40 US funds in the USA, and £39.50 or $79 US funds internationally. It is praised for its great format, numerous illustrations, and excellent articles on cryptozoology and other fortean subjects. An internet address is provided.

International Society of Cryptozoology Journal and Newsletter

Edited by J. Richard Greenwell, this society offers a membership for $32.00 US funds, which includes a 120+ page journal and four newsletters per year. The publications are described as professional and contain the latest news, articles, reports, and reviews. However, the society has been experiencing financial difficulties and has not published for a year or two, with a plea for subscriptions to help resurrect it.

Strange Magazine

Edited by Mark Chorvinsky, this magazine costs $19.75 US funds in the USA and $24.95 US funds internationally for 4 issues, published twice a year. It is compared favorably to Fortean Times, offering great articles on cryptozoology, book reviews, news clippings, and a 6-8 page column by UK cryptozoologist Dr. Karl Shuker. It is noted for its great format, easy layout, and illustrations.

Contributors for this Issue

Loren Coleman, a Research Associate at the Edmund S. Muskie Institute of Public Affairs and author of five books on cryptozoology, is a contributor. John Moore, a grade 7 student with 6 years of cryptozoology research experience and an interest in paleontology, also contributed. Ben S. Roesch, a grade 10 student with a keen interest in cryptozoological studies, marine biology, and animal behavior, is also a contributor and the editor of The Cryptozoology Review.

Contact Information

Correspondence, manuscripts, etc., should be directed to the editor, Ben S. Roesch, at 137 Atlas Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada M6C3P4. Contact details include a phone number (416) 653-4955 and email address [email protected].

A Plea for Help

The review is seeking cryptozoological articles, photocopies, books, and files for its archives. Contributors are offered information on specific cryptozoological topics in exchange for their contributions.

Coming Soon

Future issues of The Cryptozoology Review will include reviews of "Beast of Buderim sightings in Oz" by Peter Darben, the case for the giant white shark by Darren Naish, a review of sea monster carcasses by Ben S. Roesch, and mysterious cave tracks in Mexico by Ben S. Roesch. The next issue is scheduled for September.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the review and promotion of various cryptozoological publications, serving as a guide for enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of enthusiastic support for the field of cryptozoology and its related literature, encouraging readers to engage with and support these publications, particularly those facing financial difficulties. The publication itself aims to be informative and engaging, covering a wide range of topics within cryptozoology.