Cryptids

Kasai Rex: A Modern Day Dinosaur Hiding in the Congo?

Published

3 weeks ago

May 16, 2023

The photo of the Kasai Rex taken by John Johnson. Image: Cryptid Wiki

Kasai Rex is a gigantic lizard creature that has been spotted several times in Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Some believe it may be a surviving species of dinosaur.

Kasai Rex Sightings

In 1932, renowned Swedish hunter John Johnson, embarked on an expedition to hunt a large elephant. Together with his faithful servant, Johnson departed from their camp in Capetown, venturing across a treacherous swamp and into the desolate Kasai valley’s savanna.

To their surprise, the vast expanse appeared devoid of any wildlife, until a shout from a servant revealed the presence of two elephants in the distance. With his shotgun at the ready, Johnson prepared to take aim.

Suddenly, a strange creature, reptilian creature emerged from the bushes, causing the servant to dive into the foliage, while Johnson, overcome with shock recalibrated his aim and decided to shoot at this instead. Three shots were fired, yet only one found its mark, striking the creature’s back. Momentarily startled, the creature retreated and vanished into the trees.

Johnson assisted his shaken servant to his feet, and the decision was made to return to their Capetown camp.

Midway through their return journey, a loud splashing sound echoed through the air, prompting thoughts of lurking crocodiles. Johnson’s gaze swept the surroundings until, astonishingly, they spotted the same creature observed earlier on the savanna, now voraciously tearing into a rhinoceros hump. In a single bite, the creature effortlessly severed one of the rhinoceros’ legs. Overwhelmed by fear, the servant fled in terror, while Johnson bravely held his ground, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Unfortunately Johnson’s servant had taken off with his shotgun. Undeterred, he instinctively reached for his camera, capturing an image of the creature just as it submerged into a nearby lake. Meanwhile, a pool of blood surrounded the lifeless body of the rhinoceros that had fallen victim to the creature’s predatory assault.

Upon returning to his camp, Johnson, collapsed from the shock of the encounter. Concerned companions quickly rushed to his aid, assisting him to his feet. In an interview with the esteemed newspaper Rhodesia Herald, he vividly described the encounter, stating, “It had a reddish hue with dark stripes. Its elongated snout brimmed with numerous teeth.” Convinced that the creature measured an astonishing 13 meters (43 feet) in length, Johnson likened its powerful legs to those of a lion, designed for remarkable agility and speed.

The extraordinary account gained widespread attention, prompting a group of five hunters, including a well-known ivory trafficker, to venture into the Kasai Valley at the outset of 1933. Their primary objective was to track down and capture the creature known as “Kasai Rex,” as coined by the Rhodesia Herald, under the assumption that it was a colossal crocodile. The prospect of selling its valuable skin at a lucrative price served as motivation.

Traversing the same swamp that Johnson had navigated the previous year, the hunters braced themselves for the unknown. Tensions ran high as one of the members caught sight of a reddish tail vanishing into the depths of a lake, initially mistaking it for an anaconda. Their apprehension escalated when a tremendous wave of water crashed upon them from the left. Startled, they readied their weapons, only to be caught off guard as the reddish tail surged violently out of the marsh, striking one of the hunters, who was sent flying into the water.

Four of the remaining hunters unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the reddish mass that swiftly disappeared beneath the water’s surface. The fallen hunter, nursing a broken arm, summoned the strength to rise and make his way towards his companions. Suddenly, a thunderous roar reverberated from beneath the water, compelling the hunters to flee.

Their escape route was impeded by the imposing presence of a colossal creature that emerged from the right side, while simultaneously remaining submerged on the left. Seeking refuge behind a sturdy rock formation, the hunters eventually decided to make a run for it and made their way back to camp safely.

Possible Explanations for Kasai Rex

Cryptid Central covers the case of the Kasai Rex

Kasai Rex has long been associated with the theropod classification, particularly drawing parallels to the mighty tyrannosaurs. It is worth noting that no known tyrannosaurs species have ever inhabited Africa.

Instead, Africa was home to a similar theropod, potentially larger in size and overall structure, known as Carcharodontosaurus saharicus. This imposing predator reigned as one of the apex hunters during the Early Cretaceous period in Africa, engaging in fierce competition for resources and territory alongside formidable contenders such as Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, Baharisaurus ingens, and Deltadromeus.

Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, another prominent apex predator, prowled the northern regions of Africa, spanning from Egypt to Morocco. With a length ranging from 41 to 55 feet, this carnivorous giant targeted a diverse range of prey within its aquatic habitat, including large crocodylmorphs, massive fish like Lepidotes, and the formidable Onchopristis. On land, it hunted terrestrial creatures such as Iguanadontids, exemplified by species like Ouranosaurus, as well as subadult and juvenile sauropods.

Despite incomplete fossil discoveries, it is plausible that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus held the distinction of being the largest known theropod. Additionally, sightings of spinosaurid specimens like Spinosaurus, Sigilmassasaurus, or other related species have been implicated in accounts relating to the Nguma-monene and the Niger firespitter.

Spanning a length of 30 to 45 feet, Carcharodontosaurus saharicus, another fearsome carnivore, roamed both northern and southern regions of Africa. These creatures thrived in swampy habitats approximately 70 million years ago, where their diet likely consisted of notable herbivores such as Paralititan, Ouranosaurus, Aegyptosaurus, and, if necessary, the scavenging abelisaur Rugops. Both Carcharodontosaurus saharicus and Spinosaurus aegyptiacus inhabited these lush and treacherous environments, making their mark as dominant predators of their time.

Kasai Rex Hoax Photos

A popular hoaxed photo of the Kasai Rex

The original photograph, captured by Robert Henderson, which holds the potential to unveil the true identity of the Kasai Rex, actually showcases a monitor lizard, a finding that could potentially validate the existence of the creature as an unknown species of giant monitor lizard.

Notably, these reptiles have been known to assume a bipedal stance at times, bearing a striking resemblance to the reconstructions of Tyrannosaurus and other two-legged reptiles from the 1930s. Given their adept swimming abilities, encountering these creatures in a swamp environment aligns with their natural habitat.

Two other photos allegedly of the Kasai Rex have been proved to be deliberate hoaxes.

A popular hoaxed photo of the Kasai Rex

The first picture featuring a tyrannosaur-like creature feasting on a rhinoceros has been definitively debunked as a statue artfully placed atop the slain animal. Similarly, the monitor lizard-like creature depicted in the second photo is, in fact, an illustration cut out from a nature magazine, superimposed onto a rock claimed to be a rhinoceros.

Have you ever heard of any other encounters with the Kasai Rex? Tell us about it in the comments.

If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in other African cryptids such as the Grootslang or J’ba Fofi.

Cryptids

Bigfoot Researcher Leads Historic Expedition in Thailand

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2023

C. Thomas Biscardi, a renowned Bigfoot researcher with more than 50 years of experience, has announced
the launch of “Bigfoot in Thailand: The Definitive Expedition”, a
groundbreaking venture that aims to uncover proof of the legendary
creature in a country where it is known as Orang Pendek.

Biscardi
and his team of experts will collaborate with Thai government
officials, academic leaders and locals who have witnessed or encountered
the elusive beast in the remote jungles of Southeast Asia.

Biscardi
said that Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia have a long
history of Bigfoot reports, dating back to the 16th century, but they
have been largely neglected by serious researchers due to various
challenges such as weather, terrain, wildlife, culture and politics.

He
said that his team, which includes tracker Robert “The Swede” Holmberg
and researcher Chris Contrearas, has the skills and experience to
overcome these obstacles and conduct a thorough and rigorous
investigation. He also said that Buddhist Monk “Att” will be a vital
part of the expedition, providing access and guidance to the lands and
people associated with Bigfoot sightings.

The
expedition will be documented by cameras that will capture every aspect
of the historic journey, from interviews with witnesses and experts to
field investigations and possible encounters with the monster.

The
footage will be used for a new documentary that will showcase the
definitive historical library of Bigfoot in Thailand, as well as the
clear evidence that Biscardi hopes to find.

“I am confident that
this expedition will be informative and successful in not only creating
the definitive historical library of Bigfoot in Thailand, but will also
produce clear evidence of the monster,” Biscardi said.

He added:
“Bigfoot is no stranger to the people of Southeast Asia, yet the
legendary monster remains just that – a legend. To add some real
evidence to the centuries of stories surrounding the mysterious beast,
we need to go where no one has gone before.”

Robert
“The Swede” Holmberg, who will be in charge of the field crew, said: “I
have been tracking and hunting animals for most of my life, but nothing
compares to the thrill of pursuing Bigfoot. I have seen some amazing
things in my previous expeditions with Tom, but I am ready for a new
challenge in Thailand. I believe we have a good chance of finding
something there.”

Chris Contrearas, who will be responsible for
collecting and analyzing information, said: “I have been fascinated by
Bigfoot since I was a kid, and I have dedicated my career to finding the
truth behind this phenomenon. I have studied hundreds of reports and
cases from around the world, but Thailand is a unique and intriguing
location. I am looking forward to working with Tom and his team to
uncover the secrets of this region.”

Cryptids

Cornwall Owlman

Published

3 days ago

June 1, 2023

A photo of the Cornwall Owlman taken in 2019. Photo: Cornwall Live

The Cornwall Owlman is a Mothman-like creature spotted repeatedly since the 1920’s in a churchyard in the UK.

What is the Cornwall Owlman?

A sketch of the Cornwall Owlman

St Mawnan and St Stephen’s Church, located in Cornwall, is believed by some to be home to a creature that looks like a mix of a man and an owl. This creature has been scaring the local people and tourists since the 1920s. The church is in a peaceful area surrounded by trees and a beautiful view of the sea.

The first sighting of the Owlman was in 1926. The Cornish Echo newspaper told a story about two boys who were being chased by a really huge, angry bird. The boys were extremely frightened, but luckily they were able to get away and find safety behind a strong metal grating.

St Mawnan and St Stephen’s Church, located in Cornwall.

Another sighting of the Owlman of Mawnan Smith was reported 50 years later in April 1976. Two girls, June (12) and Vicky (9) Melling were on vacation with their parents They decided to walk to the old church for a look around. While they were on top of the church tower, they saw something they didn’t expect. It was a menacing creature that looked like a mixture of a bird and a man, with wings and feathers.

The girls were so terrified by what they saw that their father made the decision to end their vacation and leave Cornwall right away.

In July of that same year, two other 14-year-old girls chose to go camping in the woods surrounding the church. They also reported seeing a gigantic owl that looked like a human, and its eyes were glowing.

News about the sightings travelled quickly and even made it to the front pages of national newspapers.

Two years later, there was another incident where some people saw something strange. At first, they thought it was someone trying to prank them by wearing a costume, dressed as a very big bird that looked silvery-gray.

They quickly changed their minds however when they saw the creature actually fly up into the sky and vanish. After it flew away, they noticed a weird buzzing sound coming from the trees for a while.

In 1989 and then again six years later, there were more sightings of the owl man. This time, an American tourist was the witness. She described the owl man as being at least 5 feet tall and having enormous claws coming from its large wings.

At the end of the summer in 1995, she wrote a letter about her experience and sent it to Simon Parker, who was the night editor of the Western Morning News at that time.

Here is what she wrote:

“Dear Sir

I am a student of marine biology at the Field Museum, Chicago on the last day of a summer vacation in England. Last Sunday evening I had a most unique and frightening experience in the wooded area near the Old Church at Mawnan, Cornwall. I experienced what I can only describe as a ‘vision from hell’.

The time was 15 minutes after 9, more or less. And I was walking along a narrow track through the trees. I was halted in my tracks when about 30m ahead I saw a monstrous ‘Birdman’ thing. It was the size of a man with a ghastly face, a wide mouth, glowing eyes and pointed ears. It had huge clawed wings and was covered in feathers of silver grey colour. The thing had long bird legs which terminated in large black claws. It saw me and rose, floating towards me. I just screamed then turn and ran for my life. The whole experience was totally irrational and dreamlike.

Friends tell me that there is a tradition of a Phantom Owlman in that District. Now I know why. I have seen the phantom myself. Please don’t publish my real name and address. This could adversely affect my career. Now I have to rethink my ‘worldview’ entirely.

Yours very sincerely scared Eyewitness.”

Recent Sightings of the Cornwall Owlman

Another sketch based on sightings of the Cornwall Owlman

In 2019, a paranormal investigator in Falmouth claimed that he saw the Owlman, and that his friend was attacked by it.

Mark Davies, was in the graveyard with his friend Chris Power from Manchester. Suddenly they heard a hissing sound coming from the trees, accompanied by flapping noises. The sound seemed to pass right above their heads. At that moment, they saw a figure with horns on its head, which greatly alarmed them. They were carrying a meter used to detect electromagnetic energy, typically used for detecting ghosts. Surprisingly, they received coherent responses to their questions through the meter.

These occurrences indicated the presence of a demonic energy, which made them feel unsafe. Their friend experienced an attack in the form of scratches on his arm. Mark claimed that his camera broke during the incident. Although he didn’t see anything, he suddenly felt a surge of energy. It wasn’t until around half an hour later that he began to feel a burning sensation.

Mark and Chris managed to capture this photo that they claim may be the Owlman:

Could the Cornwall Owlman be Mothman?

The sightings of the Cornwall Owlman have a striking resemblance to stories of the Mothman, a legendary creature often described as a large, winged humanoid with glowing red eyes, known for its association with sightings of impending disasters and a sense of foreboding.

Could the Cornwall Owlman be Mothman? We decided to check if the reported sightings of the Owlman line up with any disasters in Cornwall’s history over the last 100 years.

There are a few disasters that the Cornwall Owlman could have been trying to warn us about.

The Accident at Castle-an-Dinas

Not long after the reported Owlman sighting in 1995, Cornwall’s worst ever traffic accident occurred.

On December 15, 1995, a digger’s arm, being carried on a lorry, swung out unexpectedly and hit the cars behind it, causing a devastating collision with shattered glass and twisted metal. Five people lost their lives, and others suffered severe head injuries.

The accident happened on a minor road at Castle-an-Dinas at 6:30 PM when the driver was returning the vehicle to the depot after a long day’s work. The companies responsible for the vehicle, Bazeley Plant Hire and Chepstow Plant Hire, were fined a total of £500,000 for not ensuring its safety.

The driver, who hailed from Fraddon, was found guilty of causing the death of five people due to dangerous driving. He was ordered to receive treatment at a psychiatric hospital due to mental illness linked to post-traumatic stress disorder and depression resulting from the accident.

The Camelford Poisoning

On July 6, 1988, a serious accident occurred at the water treatment plant near Camelford, Cornwall. Due to a mistake made by a relief lorry driver, around twenty tonnes of aluminium sulphate were dumped into the wrong water tank, contaminating the water supply for about 20,000 people in the area. This resulted in the water becoming highly acidic and filled with metals.

As a consequence, numerous residents experienced health problems such as stomach cramps, rashes, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, and joint pain. Some even claimed that their hair turned green due to copper residues in the water. Despite receiving numerous complaints about the quality of the water, the South West Water Authority initially assured the public that it was safe to drink. However, it took nearly three weeks before a warning was finally issued. The incident left lasting health concerns within the community for many years.

The Cornwall Owlman wasn’t sighted again until the year after the poisoning occurred, but perhaps it was trying to warn us about the ongoing affects of the poisoning.

Possible Explanations for the Cornwall Owlman

Shrouded Hand covers the Owlman of Cornwall

The reason behind all these strange events occurring near Mawnan church remains a mystery. Some people suggest that the sightings could be attributed to an escaped Great Grey Owl. These owls can have a wingspan of almost 2 meters, possess large talons, and reach a height of around 4.5 feet. The fact that the Owlman has been seen over such a long period of time makes it unlikely that witness are seeing the same owl.

Another theory proposes a connection between the stories and the church’s location within ancient earthworks. Some researchers also mention the presence of a ley line, an energy line in the Earth, passing through the site. Some visitors to the area have described Mawnan Woods as brimming with a vibrant energy. Is it possible that this natural Earth energy is somehow linked to the reports of the Owlman?

Some people are skeptical about many of the sightings in the 1970’s as they were connected to one man, a magician and paranormal researcher Tony “Doc” Shiels.

During that period, Doc Shiels gained attention and recognition for his involvement in a project dedicated to discovering and summoning monsters. He claimed to have witnessed the Loch Ness monster and even captured a photograph of it.

For a long time, he resided in St Ives before relocating to Ponsanooth. He has since departed Cornwall and moved to Ireland.

What do you think about the Cornwall Owlman? Tell us in the comments.

If you enjoyed learning about the Owlman of Cornwall you might also be interested in of reports of a train hitting and killing a bigfoot or the Fresno Nightcrawler.