The notion of the “humanzee”, that is, a hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding of a human and a chimpanzee or other ape, seems to be a popular topic in the outer circles of cyptozoology and fringe science today. I’ve addressed the subject a few times before in Gralien Report articles (one of which may be viewed by clicking here), and although the majority of the topics I address on this blog don’t have to do with human-ape hybrids, I still generate a huge number of hits to my website on a weekly basis from people using Google to search for key terms that include “Humanzee”, “Chumans”, “ape hybrids”, “Ivan Ivanovich”, and other names and phrases related to the controversial subject. Never before has the existence of a true hybrid between the species been confirmed, nor does hard evidence exist that supports theories that such would even be possible. Still, many scientists nonetheless feel that human genes are similar enough to that of a chimpanzee to allow breeding to occur with some degree of success, likely on par with that of a mule, the sterile offspring which results from mating between a male donkey and a female horse.

One of the leading activists to speak out against experiments that might involve inter-species breeding with humans and apes is Dr. Calum MacKellar, director of research at the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, who this past April warned of a “controversial draft Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill” which did not specifically place restrictions on human sperm being inseminated into animals. MacKellar argues “if a female chimpanzee was inseminated with human sperm the two species would be closely enough related that a hybrid could be born.”

Indeed, there are many instances throughout the last century where experiments were planned which may have proven conclusively whether creation of a “humanzee” were possible, though according to public records, none were seen through to completion. However, does this mean that there couldn’t have been other instances where interbreeding took place at other times?

Timeline of the Planet of the Apes: The Definitive Chronology

For instance, ancient Rome hosted what historians call some of the “most explicit recorded incidents of public sex involving humans and animals activity”. Sadly, these instances of zoophilia entailed torture and rape displayed during the Roman games and circus for entertainment purposes, where slaves, criminals, and enemies of the state were often turned loose to contend against exotic wild animals with ferocious appetites that constituted more than mere hunger. “Beasts were specially trained to copulate with women: if the girls or women were unwilling then the animal would attempt rape… On occasion, the more ferocious beasts were permitted to kill and (if desired) devour their victims afterwards. Chimpanzees and mandrills were popular animals used during such horrific acts; in many cases, the apes were given wine to further enrage or otherwise provoke them into engaging in such activity with humans, in addition to the victims’ genitals being covered with the scent of urine from female chimps, baboons, or mandrills. As grizzly as the notion may be, perhaps it is fortunate that most of the victims in these circumstances were killed afterward.

There are however, other instances of alleged sexual relations between apes and humans which took place on a consensual basis. For instance, Pietro Damiani’s 11th Century manuscript “De bono religiosi status et variorum animatium tropologia” describes how St. Peter Damian claimed he was told about an incident by Pope Alexander II that described a love affair between the wife of a “Count Gulielmus” and his pet chimpanzee. Damian even described having been shown an offspring, which was alledged to be none other than that of the ape and woman! According to legend, the ape became “mad with jealousy” upon entering the bedroom one day and seeing the count making love to his wife, at which point the creature attacked and killed him. However, as fantastic as this legend sounds, it is no surprise that any verifiable historical basis for the story remains inconclusive at best.

In keeping with the notion of human-ape hybrids, I find it interesting that Medieval art tended to show an inclination at times toward the portrayal of hairy “half-humans” as well; take for instance the Woodwoses popular in art from the 16th century, as discussed last week on this blog. There are a number of strange instances where individuals covered with hair are depicted in the art of this period, and one which comes to mind is Tilman Riemenschneider’s depiction of Mary Magdalene (see image at right). Scholar Martha Easton discussed in her essay “Was It Good For You, Too?” Medieval Erotic Art and Its Audiences how “tufts of hair completely cover the saint’s body, leaving her breasts exposed, and are clearly separate from the lengthy strands flowing from her head. Here Mary Magdalene most closely resembles images of the wild men and women, part of the monstrous races believed to exist on the edges of civilization, and associated with sexual excess.” Could such associations with “sexual excess” have stemmed from vague recollections of the horrific acts that occurred centuries earlier in Rome? Or, could the imaginations (and superstitions) of the Medieval period have led Europeans to begin to associate their fears in manifestations of “wild men” that existed on the fringes of humanity, lurking in the shadows and waiting to spring upon their villages and raid their homes, plunder their belongings, and steal away their women? It is difficult to discern, considering all the variables.

Altogether, there are many instances throughout history where “wild men” and the like have been reported; and perhaps as many (or more) instances describing bestiality and interbreeding between humans and apes. Therefore, could it be possible that a link may exist between the two? Could reports of Medieval “Woodwoses” actually stem from strange experiments and stories as those we’ve discussed? Or, if this seems unlikely in an area as contained as the England, consider the “monkey man”, a cryptozoological monstrosity which has been known to attack people in various parts of India? When considering tropical climates and other places where various kinds of apes and other exotic animals may be capable of dwelling, could it be more feasible that, at some point, various activity led to hybrid offspring of this sort? Where else in history might encounters with “wild men” and “monsters” be attributed to possible inter-species breeding? Or, as I like to say for a bit of perspective, does considering such notions merely constitute “monkey business?”