The genetic makeup of a 12-year-old Angolan boy is now disputed by experts after his deceased mother allegedly told him he is the offspring of a human-chimpanzee love affair, reports the Gazeta Nacional.
The story made national headlines and has unleashed an outpour of generosity towards Augusto Dembo, 12, who now lives with his uncle and aunt in the capital city of Luanda.
Although the young boy has become an instant celebrity, many experts dispute the claim that he is the product of the sexual intercourse between a human and a chimpanzee.
“Sexual relationships between humans and chimpanzees are fairly common in the region but this is the first time a pregnancy is officially reported,” said Dr. António Mendes of the Hospital Municipal do Luena.
A spokesperson from the Parc national de Cameia commented the news by saying that they sincerely regret the loss of Anita Dembo but also condoned “any inappropriate or sexual acts with any animals in the park.”
“Any sexual interaction between employees or visitors of the park with animals is not encouraged behavior under current park guidelines,” a spokesman for Parc national de Cameia told reporters.
The child’s mother, Anita Dembo, allegedly entertained an affair with a chimpanzee that endured for many years during her employment at the Parc national de Cameia where she has worked as a conservation officer since 1998.
