Ape Man? Researchers Spot Legendary Orang Pendek in Sumatra

Written by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Published on October 1st, 2009
Posted in About Animals

Legend has it, an ape-like man has been roaming the forests of Sumatra for years. For two weeks, a team of British explorers from the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ), along with an Indonesian guide, tracked the creature deep within the Kerinci National Park to find evidence of the ape-like man known as Orang Pendek, or short man.

Two of the explorers caught a brief glimpse of the hairy creature. The two described the creature as a broad-shouldered, large-headed creature with black skin and dark brown hair about the size of an adult chimpanzee.

The creature was seen chewing on a piece of vine, which was collected and preserved in ethanol. Hair samples were also collected for analysis. Although the witnesses were unable to get a photograph of the creature as it squatted in a tree, photographs were taken of the creature’s footprints, which were about six to seven inches long. The guide, completely overwhelmed by the rare sighting, reportedly burst into tears and had to be comforted by team members.

CFZ’s Zoological Director Richard Freeman said, “We are not talking about a unicorn or griffin, we are talking about an ape that’s unknown to science.” CFZ investigates unknown species of animals.

Orang Pendek Project

Debbie Martyr, from the Orang Pendek Project, is also hot on the trail of the elusive creature. Martyr originally went to Sumatra to help save the island’s dwindling rainforest. She did not believe the creature existed until she saw the creature with her own eyes. On a mission, the former reporter hopes to provide the first real photographic proof the primate actually exists.

The Legend of Orang Pendek

There have been many accounts of the elusive hairy creature over the years. Often described as a powerful, ape-like creature about three to five feet tall, its body is covered in hair. The creature walks in an upright position on its two legs.

Hobbits

In 2003, remains of a Homo floresiensis, nicknamed Hobbit, were discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores. Some wonder if this early bipedal man with a grapefruit-sized skull may be related to the Orang Pendek? The Hobbits lived on the island as recently as 12,000 to 18,000 years ago, had very small brains and small bodies.

Fact or fiction, legend or myth - is the Orang Pendek an ape, small man or just ancient folklore?

http://ecoworldly.com/2009/10/01/ape-man-researchers-spot-legendary-orang-pendek-in-sumatra/