The genetic makeup of a 12-year-old Angolan boy is now disputed by experts after his deceased mother allegedly told him on the deathbed that he is the offspring of a human-chimpanzee love affair, the Gazeta Nacional has reported.
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.
Angola President João Lourenço has already nicknamed the boy the “Angolan Miracle Child” as well as praising the young man as a “mational treasure,” “a sign from God” and a “testament to the majesty and greatness of the Republic of Angola.”
“This discovery could even challenge the basic foundations of modern science,” said the current Minister of Science and Technology, Maria Cândida Teixeira.
A spokesperson from the Parc national de Cameia commented on the news by saying that the park’s management sincerely regret the loss of Anita Dembo, frowning at “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.
