Exotic Zoology - Vol 5 No 1 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: EXOTIC ZOOLOGY
Issue: Vol.5, #1
Date: January/February 1998
Editor: Matthew A. Bille

This issue of Exotic Zoology, a bimonthly magazine of cryptozoology, focuses on "MYSTERY ANIMALS: THE CLASSIC MYSTERIES" and also reports on new scientific findings.

Classic Mysteries

The magazine begins by defining "mystery animals" as reports of strange creatures that cannot be easily dismissed or proven hoaxes. The prime example discussed is Georg Wilhelm Steller's "sea monkey" sighting in the Gulf of Alaska in 1741. Steller, a German naturalist sailing with Vitus Bering, described a sea mammal about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long with a reddish pelt, erect ears, drooping whiskers, a sharklike tail, and no visible front flippers. Despite Steller's reputation as a meticulous record-keeper, some aspects of his description are biologically improbable, as no known seagoing mammals have sharklike tails or lack front flippers.

Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Steller's biographer, suggested the creature was a young fur seal (Callotaria ursina), but this identification faces challenges, including the fact that Steller's crew had seen fur seals before, and Steller himself later wrote extensively about fur seals without linking them to his mystery creature.

Chris Orrick, a cryptozoological researcher, proposed a new theory that Steller observed a lost individual of a known species, specifically the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). Orrick's theory aligns the size and inquisitive behavior but requires assumptions about Steller making observational errors, such as the lack of external ears on the Hawaiian monk seal. The article notes that while Steller described the animal as being very close, Orrick suggests the actual distance was likely at least 5 meters (16 feet).

Another theory by cryptozoologist Dr. Roy Mackal suggests Steller saw a young specimen of an unknown Arctic seal similar to the leopard seal, which may now be extinct. The article also briefly mentions a similar creature report from 1965.

The issue touches upon other classic cryptozoological cases: the Beast of Gevaudan, identified as a hyena through a fur sample found centuries later; the 1905 "sea serpent" sighting by naturalists Nicoll and Meade-Waldo; and the "yeti" footprints photographed by Eric Shipton in 1951, which have resisted conventional explanations.

The article concludes that while cryptozoologists review evidence and propose new theories, many of these classic cases may remain unsolved due to a lack of physical evidence, but they are unlikely to be forgotten.

New Finds and Rediscoveries

News Flash: New Finds from South America:

This section highlights recent discoveries in South America, particularly Brazil. It mentions Dutch primatologist Marc van Roosmalen's work, who has described new species including a black-headed sagui dwarf. He is currently working on descriptions for two more new monkeys and a porcupine, with plans to investigate two more startling animals he has seen but not collected: a new tapir and a new jaguar. The newly described species include a monkey in the genus Callithrix, tentatively named the manicore marmoset (grayish with orange legs and a black tail), and a monkey in the genus Callicebus (reddish-orange with a gray-brown back, weighing about 1 kg), locally called "zog-zog." A dwarf porcupine with soft-looking pale hair is also mentioned. These animals were found near the confluence of the Madeira and Amazon rivers, about 300km from Manaus.

News and Comment:

• Rare Bird Rediscovered: The Indian forest owlet (Athene blewitti), absent for 113 years, has been photographed northeast of Bombay. The last verified encounter was in 1884. The bird is described as brownish, 20 cm tall, with large feet and beak. A bizarre incident in 1914 involving a stolen and restuffed specimen is also recounted.
• Other Owl Rediscoveries: The issue notes the 1996 rediscovery of the Congo bay owl (Phodilus prigoginei), not seen since 1951, and the confirmation of the continued existence of the Madagascar red owl (Tyto soumagnei), not seen since the 1930s.
• New Species Watch:
• New Zealand: A new species of snipe was discovered on Jaquemart Island by a Department of Conservation team, the first new bird species from New Zealand since 1930.
• Hong Kong: A new species of ant, measuring 4mm long with small eyes and belonging to the genus Acropyga, was described on Green Island by Dr. John Fellowes. This is noted as an example of "microcryptozoology."

Resources

Books:

• William J. Broad's "The Universe Below" (1997) is reviewed, covering oceanography and new discoveries in the sea. Dr. Bruce Robison of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute is quoted stating that at least one-third of large marine species remain unclassified, possibly as much as half.

Periodicals:

• The latest issue of "The Cryptozoology Review" (Vol. 2, No. 2) includes a 21-page summary of reported "sea monster" carcasses up to 1880.
• Loren Coleman's column in "Fortean Times" reviews John Chambers' denial of using an ape suit to hoax the 1968 Patterson-Gimlin "bigfoot" film.
• "National Geographic" featured a photo of a striking white penguin.

Internet:

• Several cryptozoology websites are listed, including:
• http://www.hist.unt.edu/09w-ar7o.htm (listing 102 sites, many on sasquatch).
• http://pibweb.it.nwu.edu/~pib/cryptozo.htm (maintained by Philip "Pib" Burns, with links on sea monsters and the Tasmanian Tiger).
• Scott Norman's Cryptozoological Realms Website: http://members.aol.com/mokele/cryptozoological realms/html 3.2/english/index.html (features biographies and chat links).

A correction is noted for Michel Raynal's cryptozoological home page address.

Editor's Page

Purpose: Matthew A. Bille defines cryptozoology as the scientific study of new or supposedly extinct species, aiming to restore its reputation beyond sensationalized "monsters."

In Closing: Researchers are encouraged to join the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC), which has resumed its newsletter publication.

Publication Details: Exotic Zoology is published 6 times a year by Matthew A. Bille (Editor) and Deborah A. Bille (Business Manager). Subscription rates are $18/year for U.S. addresses and $20 for other countries, with discounts for students and educators. Copyright 1997.

Business Manager's Niche: Thanks are extended to subscribers, and readers are asked to report any concerns with delivery or payment via email.

Now in Print:

The issue promotes "RUMORS OF EXISTENCE" by Matthew A. Bille, a book covering recent zoological discoveries, priced at $12.95. Autographed copies can be ordered directly for $15 (U.S.) or $17 (other countries).

The logo illustration is identified as "Delphinus rhinoceros," described by Quoy and Gaimard in 1819.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the scientific pursuit of cryptozoology, distinguishing it from sensationalism and ghost stories. It emphasizes the importance of evidence and rigorous investigation, even for seemingly improbable cases. The editorial stance supports the exploration of the unknown in zoology, whether it involves rediscovering lost species, identifying new ones, or re-examining historical mysteries with modern scientific tools. The publication also actively promotes resources for enthusiasts, including books, periodicals, and online communities, and aims to keep readers informed about the evolving field through regular updates on new findings and research.