WELCOME TO THE CFZ BLOG NETWORK: COME AND JOIN THE FUN

Half a century ago, Belgian Zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans first codified cryptozoology in his book On the Track of Unknown Animals.

The Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ) are still on the track, and have been since 1992. But as if chasing unknown animals wasn't enough, we are involved in education, conservation, and good old-fashioned natural history! We already have three journals, the largest cryptozoological publishing house in the world, CFZtv, and the largest cryptozoological conference in the English-speaking world, but in January 2009 someone suggested that we started a daily online magazine! The CFZ bloggo is a collaborative effort by a coalition of members, friends, and supporters of the CFZ, and covers all the subjects with which we deal, with a smattering of music, high strangeness and surreal humour to make up the mix.

It is edited by CFZ Director Jon Downes, and subbed by the lovely Lizzy Bitakara'mire (formerly Clancy), scourge of improper syntax. The daily newsblog is edited by Corinna Downes, head administratrix of the CFZ, and the indexing is done by Lee Canty and Kathy Imbriani. There is regular news from the CFZ Mystery Cat study group, and regular fortean bird news from 'The Watcher of the Skies'. Regular bloggers include Dr Karl Shuker, Dale Drinnon, Richard Muirhead and Richard Freeman.The CFZ bloggo is updated daily, and there's nothing quite like it anywhere else. Come and join us...

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Unlike some of our competitors we are not going to try and blackmail you into donating by saying that we won't continue if you don't. That would just be vulgar, but our lives, and those of the animals which we look after, would be a damn sight easier if we receive more donations to our fighting fund. Donate via Paypal today...




Friday, June 19, 2015

TODAY'S BIG CAT NEWS

The hunt for British Big Cats attracts far more newspaper-column inches than any other cryptozoological subject. 

There are so many of them now that we feel that they should be archived by us in some way, so we are publishing a regular round-up of the stories as they come in. 

The worldwide mystery cat phenomenon (or group of phenomena, if we are to be more accurate) is not JUST about cryptozoology. At its most basic level it is about the relationship between our species and various species of larger cat. That is why sometimes you will read stories here that appear to have nothing to do with cryptozoology but have everything to do with human/big cat interaction. As committed Forteans, we believe that until we understand the nature of these interactions, we have no hope of understanding the truth that we are seeking.

#
  • VIDEO: Lion hunting: the legal and illegal
  • NEWSLINK: Tbilisi flooding: Big cats, bears still ...
  • NEWSLINK: Hippo, big cats free to roam streets aft...
  • NEWSLINK: Spotting leopards at new Zoo exhibit
  • THE BIGFOOT FORUMS BLOG: Kathy Strain's Interview!

    The Bigfoot Forums Blog

    I would like to thank Kathy once again for taking time to answer questions from our forum!! Thank you my friend and may you be blessed with many more years in your endeavors!!

    FORTEAN BIRD NEWS FROM THE WATCHER OF THE SKIES

    What has Corinna's column of Fortean bird news got to do with cryptozoology?

    Well, everything, actually!

    In an article for the first edition of Cryptozoology Bernard Heuvelmans wrote that cryptozoology is the study of 'unexpected animals' and following on from that perfectly reasonable assertion, it seems to us that whereas the study of out-of-place birds may not have the glamour of the hunt for bigfoot or lake monsters, it is still a perfectly valid area for the Fortean zoologist to be interested in.






    BIGFOOT NEWS IN BRIEF




    Watch: Bigfoot sighting near Sundance Utah – zoomed, stabilized
    Bigfoot Evidence writes "1 year ago a video surfaced on youtube of what was claimed to be a bigfoot on the side of the road in the Sundance, Utah ...

    THE GONZO BLOG DOO-DAH MAN MISSES HIS MRS

    The Gonzo Daily - Friday/Saturday
     
    Corinna is coming back today
    me and Mother shout Hooray!
    and talking about the things I lack
    I've got my bloody hard drive back!
     
     
    The Gonzo Weekly #134
    www.gonzoweekly.com
     
    John Shuttleworth, Ambrosia, David Pack, Bob Harris, Graham Fellows, Glastonbury Festival, Roy Weard, Dogwatch, That Legendary Wooden Lion, Hawkwind, Jon Anderson, and Yes fans had better look out!
     
    The latest issue of Gonzo Weekly (#134) is available to read at www.gonzoweekly.com, and to download at http://www.gonzoweekly.com/pdf/. It has John Shuttleworth on the front cover together with an exclusive interview with him during which we also meet his manager and some bloke called Graham. There is an exclusive interview with David Pack of Ambrosia, Jon examines a book by Bob Harris, and goes through this year's Glastonbury Festival lineup, Thom waxes all poetical like, whilst the legendary Roy Weard continues his regular column. Xtul reveals a bit of the backstory, and there is a radio show from M Destiny at Friday Night Progressive, and one from those jolly nice chaps at Strange Fruit. There is also a collection of more news, reviews, views, interviews and pademelons looking for booze (OK, nothing to do with small marsupials having difficulty in the offie, but I got carried away with things that rhymed with OOOOS) than you can shake a stick at. And the best part is IT's ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!
     
    This issue features:
     
    Glastonbury Festival Line-up, David Grohl, Phil Rudd, Fleetwood Mac, Galahad, Merrell Fankhauser, Barbara Dickson, Pink Fairies, Strange Fruit, Friday Night Progressive, Canterbury sans Frontieres, Randolph Coleman, Sir Christopher Lee, Vincent Bugliosi Jr., Nick Marsh, Paul Bacon, James
    Last, Ron Moody, Jorge Galemire, Ruth Gilbert, Randy Howard, Merrell Fankhauser,Hugh Hopper, Tommy James, Inner City Unit, Mick Abrahams and Guests, Pete Sears, Barbara Dickson, John Shuttleworth, Graham Fellows, David Pack, Ambrosia, Roy Weard, Hawkwind, Moonloonies, Andrew Phillipson, Yes,Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Wyrd, Stargrace, Dogleg, Bob Harris, Neil Nixon, The Aphex Twin, Michael Jackson, Cher, Country Joe & the Fish,Genesis, George Harrison, The Beatles, Willie Nelson, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Slartibartfass
     
    Read the previous few issues of Gonzo Weekly:
     
    Issue 133 (Liz Lenten cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo132.html
    Issue 132 (Daevid in Brazil cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo132.html
    Issue 131 (Boomtown Rats cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo131.html
    Issue 130 (David Peel cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo130.html
    Issue 129 (Clepsydra cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo129.html
    Issue 128 (Louie Louie cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo128.html
    Issue 127 (Roy Weard cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo127.html
    Issue 126 (Atkins-May Project cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo126.html
    Issue 125 (Mick Abrahams cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo125.html
    Issue 124 (Karnataka cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo124.html
    Issue 123 (Cream cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo123.html
    Issue 122 (Anthony Phillips cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo122.html
    Issue 121 (Annie Haslam cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo121.html
    Issue 120 (Frank Zappa cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo120.html
    Issue 119 (Eliza Carthy cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo119.html
    Issue 118 (Dave Brock cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo118.html
    Issue 117 (Daevid Allen cover)
    http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo117.html
     
    All issues from #70 can be downloaded at www.gonzoweekly.com if you prefer. If you have problems downloading, just email me and I will add you to the Gonzo Weekly dropbox. The first 69 issues are archived there as well. Information is power chaps, we have to share it!
     
    You can download the magazine in pdf form HERE:
    http://www.gonzoweekly.com/pdf/

    * The Gonzo Daily is a two way process. If you have any news or want to write for us, please contact me at jon@eclipse.co.uk. If you are an artist and want to showcase your work, or even just say hello please write to me at gonzo@cfz.org.uk. Please copy, paste and spread the word about this magazine as widely as possible. We need people to read us in order to grow, and as soon as it is viable we shall be invading more traditional magaziney areas. Join in the fun, spread the word, and maybe if we all chant loud enough we CAN stop it raining. See you tomorrow...
     
    * The Gonzo Daily is - as the name implies - a daily online magazine (mostly) about artists connected to the Gonzo Multimedia group of companies. But it also has other stuff as and when the editor feels like it. The same team also do a weekly newsletter called - imaginatively - The Gonzo Weekly. Find out about it at this link: www.gonzo-multimedia.blogspot.com/…/all-gonzo-news-wots-fit
     
    * We should probably mention here, that some of our posts are links to things we have found on the internet that we think are of interest. We are not responsible for spelling or factual errors in other people's websites. Honest guv!

    The 41st Annual Turtle and Tortoise Show Saturday, June 20, 2015, 11:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. The Village Community School, 272 West 10th Street, New York City

    The 41st Annual Turtle and Tortoise Show

    Saturday, June 20, 2015, 11:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.
    The Village Community School, 272 West 10th Street, New York City
    Enter at the school’s main entrance. The school’s new security policy now requires all persons to show proper identification.

    • The Show is not open to the general public; admission will be limited to NYTTS members and their guests.  All guests will be required to sign in.  No sales of turtles are permitted at the show.  NYTTS cannot assume liability for any animals.
    • Bring as many turtles as you like — at least one of each species you own.  This is your once-a-year opportunity to show your collection and to see the turtles of other members.  Don’t hesitate to display your turtles and tortoises even if they are a common species or are not “perfect.”
    • The primary purpose of the show is educational, and participants are encouraged to prepare educational displays to accompany their animals.  The displays may incorporate photographs, journals, models, diagrams, and other materials illustrating the natural history and/or captive husbandry and breeding of the particular species.  Displays should be self-supporting or designed for tabletop mounting.
    FEES AND REGISTRATION
         To cover the costs of the show, there will be a $4.00 fee for each turtle and a $5.00 per person admission fee for all non-exhibitors (including members and guests).  When you register, you will complete a registration form, and each of your turtles will be assigned a number and given a species ID card.  It is a good idea to download, print and complete the registration form in advance (go to the Registration Form MS Word document or PDF version). Present your completed form when you register (leave the registration numbers blank).  Additional registration forms will be available at the Show.  Please be on time!!  Registration begins at 11:00 a.m.  No entries will be accepted after judging begins at 1:00 p.m.  Non-exhibitors and guests are welcome at 2:00 p.m.

    DISPLAY CONTAINERS
         Each exhibitor must bring appropriate containers in which to display their turtles.  Glass aquariums, bowls, plastic boxes, or wash buckets are all acceptable; clear containers improve visibility.  Water will be available for the tanks.  All containers must be escape proof!  To prevent animals overheating in the hot sun, be sure to bring adequate shading for both aquatic turtle tanks and tortoise pens (an umbrella attached to the display tables works nicely—and will come in handy in case of rain).

    JUDGING
         Blue, red, and white ribbons (ratings of I, II, and III) will be granted according to merit, and a trophy will be awarded to the Best-In-Show turtle.  Judging decisions will be based upon ownership responsibility (length of ownership, general health and physical condition of the animal, and apparent quality of husbandry) and the quality of the animal (configuration, form, and uniqueness).

    PERMITS AND THE LAW
         New York State law now requires permits for all native New York species:
    Blanding’s turtle, Emydoidea blandingii
    Bog turtle, Glyptemys (Clemmys) muhlenbergii
    Eastern box turtle, Terrapene c. carolina
    Diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys t. terrapin
    Common map turtle, Graptemys geographica
    Eastern mud turtle, Kinosternon s. subrubrum
    Common musk turtle, Sternotherus odoratus
    Eastern painted turtle, Chrysemys p. picta
    Common snapping turtle, Chelydra s. serpentina
    Eastern spiny softshell turtle, Trionyx s. spiniferus
    Spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata
    Wood turtle, Glyptemys (Clemmys) insculpta
    Do not bring any of these species unless you can show a valid New York State permit for each New York turtle. New York also requires permits for all turtles and tortoises protected by Federal Regulation 50CFR17. Among the more common protected species are Geochelone radiata, all Gopherus species, and Podocnemis expansa and unifilis.

    DIRECTIONS TO THE SHOW

    The address of the Village Com–munity School is 272 West 10th Street between Washington Street and Greenwich Street (not Green­wich Avenue) just one block from the Hudson River. The show will be held on the school’s playground at the corner of Greenwich Street and West 10th Street. Enter at 272 West 10th Street, the front main entrance. The school’s new security policy now requires all persons to show proper identification.

    Drivers should be aware that street fairs in the Village and other parts of Manhattan may necessitate extra driv­ing time. Parking on the street is possible but may be difficult on week­ends with pleasant weather. There are numerous parking garages and lots nearby.

    SUBWAY STATIONS
       • West 4th Street (A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains)
       • Christopher St./Sheridan Sq. (#1 Broadway / 7th Ave. Local train)
       • Christopher St. PATH Station (New Jersey PATH trains, marked P on the map)


    If you have further questions, please e-mail QandA@nytts.org.

    NEWS FROM NOWHERE - Friday/Saturday

    ON THIS DAY IN 0240 BC - Eratosthenes estimated the circumference of the Earth using two sticks. 
    And now some more recent news from the CFZ Newsdesk

  • Increase in Turtle “Rescues” Prompts CDFW to Ask P...
  • Louisiana House agrees to let state agents enforce...
  • Man survives 500 to 1,000 stings by swarming Arizo...
  • Dinosaur fossil investigation unlocks possible sof...
  • Giant purple sea slugs slime San Francisco Bay Are...

  • Wildlife conservation: Tigger is doomed, but can o...

  • AND TO WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK... (Music that may have some relevance to items also on this page, or may just reflect my mood on the day)