Unbelievable. Scientists may have discovered a new species of ape, five to six feet tall, with 14-inch-long feet. It has the face of a chimp and the body of a gorilla — and it may be a hybrid of the two. From Omaha Zoo Testing DNA of Mystery Apes:
Scientists hope DNA analysis will reveal the origins of large, mysterious apes discovered in the heart of Africa by an Atlanta primatologist.Genetics research has begun at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo on fecal samples collected this summer from the rare apes to determine if they make up a new species, a new subspecies or some form of hybrid — possibly a mix between a chimpanzee and a gorilla.
“It’s a new, mystery ape and we are doing the DNA fingerprinting to find out more,” said Dr. Lee Simmons, zoo director.
The apes, which stand five to six feet tall and have feet nearly 14 inches long, were first documented last year by primatologist Shelly Williams in a forest in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They have bodies similar to those of gorillas, but generally the facial characteristics of a chimpanzee. Williams said the animals sleep on the ground at night like gorillas, but eat a fruit-rich diet like chimpanzees.
“I can’t speculate yet as to what they are. Their behavior is so unusual. It’s a puzzle. … I feel like Dr. Doolittle in the land of Oz,” said Williams, who has captured some video of the animals but no photographs.
Because of their size and elusiveness, the apes have no predators — not even poachers hunt them, Williams said. With no fear of lions, leopards or hyenas, the large animals hoot at the moon as it rises and sets, which is extremely unusual for apes, she said.
“The people are very afraid of them. They call them the ‘lion killers’ because they are huge creatures,” Williams said. “The folklore is they could kill lions.”