16-09-2003 Loch Ness monster video

For immediate release:
2003-09-16

The Loch Ness monster is one of the most enduring mysteries of the
modern age. Certainly nothing else in contemporary zoology engenders
quite the amount of controversy as does the question of whether or not
there is a giant undiscovered creature lurking in the depths of
Scotland's largest lake.

Even amongst those of us who believe in Nessie there is controversy.
There are as many theories as there are experts. The Centre for Fortean
Zoology is the world's largest organisation dealing with mystery
animals and we all have different ideas as to the truth behind the
legends of the loch.

In April we were given a remarkable piece of footage. Although we have
spoken to the person who took it on a number of occasions and are
convinced of his veracity, he has asked to remain anonymous. We sent
copies of the film to various members of our board of consultants, and
sat back to await a verdict. We were not expecting every single person
who has seen this video to give a different explanation for it. It has
been described as a pair of otters, a waterbird of some kind, a giant
eel, men in diving suits and a pair of seals. Us? We have no idea what
it is! We are not even claiming that it shows the Loch Ness Monster.
However it is interesting enough to warrant us throwing it over to YOU
- the Great British Public.

Visit the website view the film and then vote in our online poll to
tell us - and the world - what you think it is.

http://www.forteanzoology.com/lochness/

NOTES FOR EDITORS:


· The Centre for Fortean Zoology is a non profit-making
organisation, which was founded in 1992. We are the only full time
scientific organization dedicated to the study of mystery animals in
the world. Over the last 11 years we have mounted expeditions to
Central America, Thailand, Mexico, Sumatra, various parts of the United
States, as well as numerous investigations in the UK. Further
information on the CFZ can be found on their website, www.cfz.org.uk.

· Stills from the film are available from the CFZ.

· C F Z director Jonathan Downes has written numerous books on
the subject of mystery animals. The latest, entitled The Monster of the
Mere, recounts the 2002 expedition in the search of a giant fish in a
Lancashire lake. He is also the author of two highly acclaimed books on
Zooform Phenomena; The Owlman and Others and The Rising of the Moon.

· The honorary life President of the Centre for Fortean Zoology
is renowned explorer, author and soldier Colonel John Blashford-Snell
OBE, best known for his pioneering Operation Drake and Operation
Raleigh expeditions during the 1970s.