VIETNAM A GARDEN OF EDEN FOR CRYPTOZOOLOGY

VIETNAM A GARDEN OF EDEN FOR CRYPTOZOOLOGY

PORTLAND, Maine (Wireless Flash) -- Noah's ark must have gotten a little off course in Vietnam, because the Asian country is filled with thousands of bizarre animals just waiting to be discovered by science. That's according to cryptozoologist Loren Coleman, co-author of the new book, "Cryptozoology A to Z" (Fireside). Coleman says one such unique animal is the "Saola," which appears to be half antelope and half cow. It is the size of a small pony, but its DNA is closer to a bovine. There's also a creature called the "barking deer" which is about the size of a German Shepherd, has thumbnail-sized antlers and a distinctive barking sound. Coleman says Vietnam's Vu Quang forest may be "...the real "Lost World."" Although some folks are skeptical the bizarre animals exist, Coleman says scientists once considered giant pandas and gorillas to be nothing more than "wild native tales."