DNA of mystery apes studied by scientists
Genetics research at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo on faecal samples collected from the rare apes should determine if they are a new species, a new subspecies or a form of hybrid possibly a mix between a chimpanzee and a gorilla. "It is a new, mystery ape and we are doing the DNA fingerprinting to find out more," said zoo director Dr Lee Simmons.
The apes, which stand five to six feet tall and have feet nearly 14 inches long, were first documented by primatologist Shelly Williams of Atlanta in a forest in the northern Democratic Republic of Congo.
