Animal X

Beneath the shining waters of Lake Van in Turkey, it's said there lurks a huge and mysterious creature beyond the comprehension of science. Animal X travelled to the region to investigate reported sightings of Turkey's very own Loch Ness Monster, a creature that may have even been sighted in centuries gone by and immortalised in stone on a local thousand year old church. We also look at amazing amateur footage, thought to be the Monster of Lake Van, which has not only locals, but the whole world talking.

Watch the video here https://youtu.be/bJVbYYmnVTk

For thousands of years Howick Falls, in the South African province of Kwa-Zulu Natal has been the source of legends.

The Zulu's believe a giant snake, known as Inkanyamba inhabits the pool at the bottom of the falls. Rock paintings from the region show that the Bushmen who lived here before the Zulus also believed in the giant snake. Inkanyamba is feared and respected by the local community.

It is believed to carry the spirits of the ancestors and bring death to anyone who sees it. Only witchdoctors or Sangomas are permitted to visit the pool where it is believed to live. Several Europeans are also convinced that a strange monster lurks in the depths.

Bob Teeney took a photograph of a plesiosaur-type animal that he claims surfaced when he visited the pool with a friend. He also claims to have found eggs belonging to a dinosaur. Experts think the eggs are more likely those of a crocodile. There is no doubt however that Howick Falls possess a mysterious allure.

This could explain the large number of people who are attracted to the falls to end their own lives.

The legend of the Red Heifer is as old as the bible itself.

The story of a young cow, which according to Jewish people, is capable of changing the world.

Animal X travelled to Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem to investigate what many believe is a modern day miracle -- the discovery of a perfect Red Heifer, that meets all the Biblical requirements of a sacred animal.

We also go trekking with an American archaeologist who claims to have found the ashes of the original Red Heifer, lost for over two thousand years. Animal X asks "could this Red Heifer be a sign that the world is waiting for?".

There's something deadly stalking the eerie San Luis Valley in Colorado and New Mexico.

A mysterious entity that preys on cattle, mutilating them with surgical precision.

It's a gruesome phenomenon that's been going on now for more than twenty years, and one that's got officials and ranchers truly baffled.

Animal X headed to northern New Mexico to investigate the many theories on the attacks including claims that extra-terrestrials are the cattle surgeons.

Others say it could be the macabre attacks could be the work of satanic cults practising animal sacrifice. Whoever or whatever is responsible they have certainly covered their tracks and lack of evidence is just as mystifying as the mutilations themselves.

From Ireland comes one of the most terrifying and best authenticated tales of a ghostly animal.

Known as The Black Cat of Killakee, the phantom feline is said to haunt the bleak mountains overlooking Dublin.

Reported sightings go back almost three hundred years.

One eyewitness, an Irish artist, painted a picture of what HE saw, a terrifying cat with red eyes.

The cat even has links to the Dublin branch of the Hell Fire Club, an association of arrogant, vicious young 'bucks' said to be in league with the devil. Animal X went to investigate.

Since it was first sighted on Puerto Rico in the mid 90's, the Chupacabras, or goatsucker, has become one of the greatest puzzles of the paranormal.

Said to be around five feet tall with red eyes, fangs and powerful hind legs, it's been sighted as far away as Moscow.

Animal X- hits the Chupacabras trail to help unravel the mystery. Paranormal investigator Ted Loman and folklorist Jim Griffith give their expert assessments, while eye-witnesses offer first hand accounts of their terrifying encounters with the mysterious beast

For decades, Indonesia has been home to giant prehistoric beasts that lurk beneath the water.

Animal X travelled to southern Irian Jaya to investigate the incredible reports of killer crocodiles, some over nine metres long, that have been blamed for the deaths of more than fifty men, women and children.

Our expedition took us deep into the Asmat jungle where we discovered a rich and superstitious culture revolving around spirits, myths and legends.

Animal X also looked at one of the most famous disappearances from the region in the 1960s - that of Michael Rockefeller, son of famous New York Governor, Nelson Rockerfeller. Theories vary from head-hunters to the notorious killer croc.

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For centuries large primates of up to eight feet tall have been spotted across the United States. Although 'Bigfoot', as the beast has become known, has been sighted in every state, sightings are concentrated in the remote mountainous parts of the country. In October 1958 a group of loggers came across several human-like footprints in a remote part of the Northern Californian woods.

The footprints ranged in length from 12 to 17 inches long and about 7 inches wide.

Big Foot was spotted by several other road construction workers as they hacked a ribbon of civilisation further into the dense bush. Since then the animal that the Indians call Sasquatch has fascinated adventurers.

For three weeks a team of experts went into the remote Siskiyou Mountains in Northern California looking for some answers.

Secretary of the International Society of Cryptozoology, Richard Greenwell, his son Darwin, Primatologist Jeffrey Meldrum and their mountain guide Mark Slack found no proof of the existence of Bigfoot. But their experiences added up to a strong case in favour of the creature's presence.

The group found several sets of human-like tracks, measuring up to 16 inches in length. They heard howls and their camp was visited by animals that they couldn't explain away as bears. Animal X obtained exclusive material from the team's expedition into the wilderness.

Richard Greenwell suggests Bigfoot may be related to the Gigantopithecus that roamed China 300,000 years ago. He suggests that it may have crossed the Bering land bridge from Asia and into North America and remained in the forests, leading a largely reclusive life.

They're considered to be the most persistent of all ghostly animals. Reported sightings of Phantom Black Dogs in Britain date back to medieval times. Four hundred years ago, a devil dog was even blamed for killing five people in a church. Some believe they're protective creatures, others, an omen of death. Whatever their purpose, the Phantom Dogs have left an indelible impression on anyone who's witnessed them. Animal X travelled to East Anglia to speak to those who have witnessed this ghostly phenomenon.