The spooky legend of the Bondo monkey has puzzled researchers for decades, and Bigfoot in the Congo remains a mystery.
Scary stories describe the giant primates as a cross between a gorilla and a human, capable of killing lions and causing chaos in the jungle.
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Researchers first discovered the Bondo monkey 20 years ago in miles of crocodile-infested waters and impassable terrain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
They are known as Bili-Uéré chimpanzees after the region of the DCR where they live, and tens of thousands of this wild species are believed to live among the trees.
Chimpanzees are known for their aggressive outbursts, but the Bondo monkey is considered a far more ruthless and calculating species.
One of the researchers who first discovered the monkeys in 2004 claimed to have seen one of the monkeys devouring the fresh carcass of a leopard.
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Locals constantly warn people that the Beasts of Bondo are the true kings of the jungle, having been described in numerous stories as fearsome lion killers.
The almost mythical rumors about the fearless monkey are said to have been passed down through generations in the indigenous tribes before reaching the local communities of the DCR.
These terrible stories have even earned them the nickname “Yeti of the Forest.”
The animals are still relatively unknown among researchers, as only a handful of people have ever come face to face with a Bondo species.
It describes the apes as being a few centimeters taller than the average human (1.65 m), although most researchers document a height of about 1.70 m.
They have flat faces and a wide mouth, as one would expect from chimpanzees.
Another similarity is the similarity of their hands, feet and ears to humans, as well as the fact that they often walk upright.
Another spooky theory among locals is that the monkeys howl at the moon after dark.
The Swiss photographer Karl Ammann was one of the first people to hunt the Bondo monkey in 1996.
He is said to have found the skull of a primate in a Belgium Museum where there were far from ordinary chimpanzees.
This prompted Karl to launch an expedition to find out which species was the rightful owner of the skull.
During a visit to northern Congo, he spoke to local people in the Congo Basin, who told him that the bones were a common find in the area.
Hunters described to Karl how they could observe shadowy predators that stole their prey by demonstrating brute force.
This earned the monkeys the nickname “lion killers.”
Nevertheless, they are considered relatively friendly towards people.
Researchers and locals have told stories that the species reacts with curiosity rather than concern when sighted.
However, some claims dispute this, while others claim that adult Bondo monkeys appear to be nervous around humans and quickly try to disappear from sight.
They wanted to kill me – but when they saw my face, they stopped and disappeared
Shelly Williams
Shelly Williams, one of the brave researchers who saw a wild Bondo monkey up close, recounts an incident that left her fearing for her life.
She said: “We could hear them in the trees, about 10m away, and suddenly four of them came running through the bushes towards me.
“If this was a mock attack, they would have been screaming to intimidate us. These guys were quiet and they were huge.”
“They wanted to kill – but when they saw my face, they stopped and disappeared.”
Another shocking revelation made by the locals was that the Bondo species was supposedly immune to their weapons – especially poisoned arrows.
After days of searching in the jungle area, Karl claims to have come across another unique skull, which is said to be a mix of chimpanzee and gorilla.
A few moments later, a huge patch of monkey droppings was found next to a huge footprint.
Its shape was said to have resembled the feet of a gorilla, but was much larger.
These chimpanzees may have turned the tables and killed leopards, which may explain why the monkeys in this population seem unafraid of nesting on the ground.
Research team
Another major difference between the Bondo monkeys and all other chimpanzees is that they supposedly sleep on the ground instead of nesting in trees.
Research into the historic hunting of great apes in 2004 found that apes often find it more comfortable to sleep on the ground rather than curled up in trees.
The team wrote: “They are very skilled at weaving seedlings and
other plants into a complex structure to create a comfortable bed for the night.
“This seems like an odd choice, as sleeping on the ground can make them more vulnerable to leopards and other leopards.
“These chimpanzees may have turned the tables and defeated leopards. This could explain why the monkeys in this population do not seem to be afraid of nesting on the ground.”
After a twenty-hour search for the mysterious primates, a team of researchers discovered that the Bondo monkey was closely related to a common chimpanzee species.
A DNA test based on the primates’ excrement showed that they were indeed Eastern chimpanzees.
Many even said that the Bondo was just an interesting variation of the known species and not some new mythical creature.
What is Bigfoot?
The mystery surrounding Bigfoot has been a source of excitement for hundreds of years.
The mythical creature is estimated to be 2.5 to 3 meters tall and weigh over 250 kilograms. Its feet are twice the size of an average human and its footprints measure 43 centimeters.
One of the first Bigfoot discoveries occurred in 1811, when British explorer David Thompson found large footprints attributed to the creature.
There are several stories about mythical, giant, ape-like people who roamed North America, particularly in the mountainous western region.
The stories revolve around giant, hairy men who roam the woods and occasionally scare hikers, campers, and lumberjacks.
Some have described the animals as shy and nocturnal.
Bigfoot is also known in various cultures around the world and is sometimes referred to as Sasquatch, Yowie Man, Yeti or Witiko.
Many scientists refute the story of Bigfoot, calling it either a campfire story or a pure myth.
However, some scientists boldly claim that there is forensic evidence to support the existence of something like Bigfoot.
Jeff Meldrum, a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University in Pocatello, believes there is a mysterious creature that has yet to be discovered.
Jeff Meldrum told National Geographic: “Based on the scientific evidence I have examined, I am convinced that there is a creature out there that has yet to be identified.”
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