Two AI-generated video clips have been created to animate the infamous and long-debunked photograph of Ameranthropoides loysi, commonly known as Loys’s ape. Using Adobe Firefly, the creator supplied both a textual description and the original photo as prompts, resulting in two separate moving depictions of the alleged creature. These clips bring life to a hoax that dates back to 1917 and feature unexpected visual elements, including a mysterious object briefly appearing behind the animated figure.
The original photograph, which showed the dead body of a pet spider monkey mistaken for a new primate species, was revealed to be a hoax decades ago. The videos were produced as a form of creative exploration rather than scientific presentation, with the artist commenting on the unpredictable and sometimes surreal results AI programs generate. Further details and reflections on the photograph’s background and cultural impact have been published in a three-part series on ShukerNature and included in the author’s books.
Loys’s ape remains a significant case study in the history of cryptozoology and scientific hoaxes, illustrating the challenges of verifying extraordinary claims in early primatology. The AI project highlights how modern technology can reframe and engage with historical fabrications, providing new ways to experience and discuss past controversies. This effort underscores the lasting fascination with mysterious creatures and the evolution of visual media in both documenting and debunking cryptid lore.
Source: ShukerNature
