Comments on: Waikato Monster Killed: 1887

By: zakariya

zakariya — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:35:09 +0000

Actually, first thing I thought when I read this was leopard seal. The size, weight, aggression, stealing of meat, even number of teeth all match a leopard seal (who do have four very prominent canines to boot). I’ve even heard them described as ’saurian’ before, and they do range even further north than NZ on occaison. Not outside the realm of possibility that a big female leopard seal travelled far from Antarctica and made herself at home. Hey, might even explain some of the waitoreke sightings…

By: Munnin

Munnin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:28:09 +0000

Sounds like a Southern elephant seal, except for the use of words “saurian” at the top of the story, and “wings” to describe part of its’ anatomy. Then again “Flappers” is used twice also, and would fit nicely with the description of an elephant seal. Considering the newspaper practices of the late 19th century, “saurian” and “wings” were probably added to make the story more sensational.

By: plant girl

plant girl — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:12:27 +0000

WoW! that is quite the story. It would be great to actually see a picture of this creature.

You know whay they say “SEEING IS BELIEVING.”