Today’s answerer of questions is Richard Freeman. I’m sure you are all aware of who Richard Freeman is. He has been the CFZ zoological director since time immemorial and has participated in and/or led a number of CFZ expeditions to far flung places including Russia, Mongolia, Guyana, Sumatra and the Gambia. His book Dragons More Than A Myth has recently been made available in the United States of America and his new book, an encyclopaedia on the supernatural beings of Japan (known as Yokai) is almost ready to be released by CFZ Press (keep an eye on the blog for more information).
So, Richard Freeman, here are your five questions on… Cryptozoology:
1) How did you first become interested in cryptozoology?
Watching the great Jon Pertwee as Dr Who in the 70s. In his 3rd incarnation, the Doctor was mostly trapped on Earth because the Time Lords had changed the dematerialisation codes on the Tardis in order to trap him. The monsters he fought were on modern day Earth in familiar settings. This made them all the more compelling. Sea Devils, Autons, Silurians, Axons, Daleks.
This sparked my fascination in monsters.
2) Have you ever personally seen a cryptid or secondary evidence of a cryptid, if so can you please describe your encounter?
I have seen the Monster of Martin Mere, a giant swan-attacking catfish.
I have seen very clear tracks of the Orang-pendek. I used to be a zookeeper and can easily recognise the prints of known apes. The Orang-pendek has a longer heel and a less prehensile big toe than other apes.
So, Richard Freeman, here are your five questions on… Cryptozoology:
1) How did you first become interested in cryptozoology?
Watching the great Jon Pertwee as Dr Who in the 70s. In his 3rd incarnation, the Doctor was mostly trapped on Earth because the Time Lords had changed the dematerialisation codes on the Tardis in order to trap him. The monsters he fought were on modern day Earth in familiar settings. This made them all the more compelling. Sea Devils, Autons, Silurians, Axons, Daleks.
This sparked my fascination in monsters.
2) Have you ever personally seen a cryptid or secondary evidence of a cryptid, if so can you please describe your encounter?
I have seen the Monster of Martin Mere, a giant swan-attacking catfish.
I have seen very clear tracks of the Orang-pendek. I used to be a zookeeper and can easily recognise the prints of known apes. The Orang-pendek has a longer heel and a less prehensile big toe than other apes.
In 2008 I think I heard the vocalisation of an almasty and got to within 12 feet of it as it prowled around an abandoned farm at 2.30 in the morning.
3) Which cryptids do you think are the most likely to be scientifically discovered and described some day, and why?
The thylacine, it’s been seen by a park ranger and zoologists. Professor Henry Nicks's computer programme Bioclim predicted its existence in exactly the place in Tasmania where most of the sightings were coming from.
3) Which cryptids do you think are the most likely to be scientifically discovered and described some day, and why?
The thylacine, it’s been seen by a park ranger and zoologists. Professor Henry Nicks's computer programme Bioclim predicted its existence in exactly the place in Tasmania where most of the sightings were coming from.
Orang-pendek, I've seen its tracks and Dave Archer and Sahar have seen the beast. Debbie Martyr and Jeremy Holden have also seen it. It is an upright-walking relative of the orangutan.
Giant anaconda - lots of sightings - it lives in water were it is buoyed up and can reach huge sizes, maybe 50-60 feet in rare cases.
Almasty, I think Adam and I got very close to seeing one. Grigory Panchenko has seen them on several times. It is a descendant of Homo erectus.
Sea serpents (several kinds) marine reptiles, marine mammals and giant elongate fish. These have been consistently reported since the days of ancient Babylon.
Yeti; its remoteness protects it. Probably Gigantopithecus or something closely related.
The Japanese wolf; like the thylacine lots of good witnesses, also a very convincing photo.
4) Which cryptids do you think are the least likely to exist?
Non-Avian dinosaurs, mostly mistaken identity by some zoologists. Supposed dinosaurs may actually be giant monitor lizards, unknown rhinos and other animals.
5) If you had to pick your favourite cryptozoological book (not including books you may have written yourself) what would you choose?
Out of the Shadows by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper, an amazing book on an amazing continent. The Yowie, Australia's Bigfoot by the same authors, amazing detail and many new cases. Mythical Monsters by Charles Gould, the original cryptozoology book
On the Track of Unknown Animals, Bernard Heuvelmans's cornerstone work, nuff said!
Alien Animals by Janet and Colin Bord, I read this as a kid and it really got me hooked.
Yeti; its remoteness protects it. Probably Gigantopithecus or something closely related.
The Japanese wolf; like the thylacine lots of good witnesses, also a very convincing photo.
4) Which cryptids do you think are the least likely to exist?
Non-Avian dinosaurs, mostly mistaken identity by some zoologists. Supposed dinosaurs may actually be giant monitor lizards, unknown rhinos and other animals.
5) If you had to pick your favourite cryptozoological book (not including books you may have written yourself) what would you choose?
Out of the Shadows by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper, an amazing book on an amazing continent. The Yowie, Australia's Bigfoot by the same authors, amazing detail and many new cases. Mythical Monsters by Charles Gould, the original cryptozoology book
On the Track of Unknown Animals, Bernard Heuvelmans's cornerstone work, nuff said!
Alien Animals by Janet and Colin Bord, I read this as a kid and it really got me hooked.
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