Editorial Commentary

Is cryptozoology the newest big time marketable niche to be discovered or exploited?

It appears to be so.

There’s the Shipton Yeti footprints photographs auction that I’m discussing at Cryptomundo also today, and now this business of someone selling new photographs of moa tracks and the pictures of the animals themselves.

I think it’s one thing to sell off historical items (even though I have reservations about these disappearing into private collections). But these alleged moa discoveries have not even been properly noted and discussed, examined and explored for their possible value to the knowledge base of what new information they might contain. I’m troubled.

I’m sorry, but to me this feels like the rape of cryptozoology. When new cryptozoological discoveries start being sold at auction or on the open market, as the first effort in their introduction to the public or science and not shared scientifically, I feel the whole field is devalued. Just my opinion, and hopefully the person that bought these moa items will prove me wrong by sharing these photographs and the findings immediately with responsible New Zealand zoologists who specialize in moas.

Am I wrong to think this way? I just can’t believe this is happening.

Please click image for full size.

Here’s the auction announcement:

Brand New Exclusive Photos of Live 6 Foot Moa
Current bid: $365.00 | Reserve met | Closed: 9:09 pm, Wed 5 Sep 2007

I am selling what I believe is the only evidence that a species of New Zealand native bird, the Moa, is still alive and living in a remote part of New Zealand. Im not sure what particular species of Moa this is, or its age or gender. I have, however, 3 photos of the 6 foot tall bird itself and a number of photos of the foot prints the bird left behind. Two of the photos of the bird are clear enough to be able to distinguish individual feathers on the Moas back.

The photos of the bird itself (and the location they were taken) are for sale to genuine buyers interested in New Zealand wildlife. Feel free to ask questions. Ill do my best to answer them as best as I can. I can certainly understand concerns about the authenticity of these photos for sale. So much so that Id be happy to refund the highest bidder the entire bid price if the photos purchased didnt hold up to public scrutiny.

The Story behind the photos

I was tramping in Fiordland last Monday and as I came up over a rise, there in front of me was the largest bird Ive ever see. It pricked its head up and eyeballed me from a distance of about 40 feet. I remembered that I had my mobile phone on me even though I was outside of the coverage area. I eased my hand into my backpack and slowly pulled it out being careful not to make any sudden moves. I took 3 photos of the bird before it turned and ran into nearby bush. Two of these photos are clear enough to see individual feathers on the birds body. The 3rd is a little blurry as my hand started to shake with excitement.

After the bird ran away, I looked for feathers, excrement, or other signs of the birds presence. All I found was a number of large foot prints, obviously made by the bird itself. By my calculations the prints are at least 16cm from heal to toe (the cigarette lighter being 8cm in length). Id estimate that the bird is at least 6 foot tall.

Closed 9:09 pm, Wed 5 Sep. This auction used auto-extend. Auction Number: 115884034Trade Me: Where Kiwis Buy and Sell

Much thanks to New Zealander tramper Waitorengi for alerting us to this sale!