Martian Monkey

What it is

The Martian Monkey refers to a specific hoax perpetrated in Atlanta, Georgia, during July 1953. Three local men modified a deceased rhesus macaque to resemble an extraterrestrial being. The creature lacked a tail, had its fur removed, and was dyed green. It was placed near scorch marks on the pavement to suggest a crash landing. This fabrication capitalized on the widespread fear and fascination with unidentified flying objects that characterized the era in the United States.

Where it comes from

The incident originated from the creative minds of Edward Watters, Tom Wilson, and Arnold Payne. These individuals were a barber, another barber, and a butcher, respectively. They acted during a period of intense 'UFO hysteria' across America. Their goal was to create a believable story about alien life. They selected a dead monkey because it was readily available and could be easily altered. The choice of a rhesus macaque provided a realistic base for their deception.

How it is done

The perpetrators prepared the animal by removing its tail and applying large amounts of hair remover. They then used green food coloring to change its appearance. A blow torch was used to burn a circle into the street pavement, simulating heat damage from a spacecraft. On July 8, 1953, they presented the scene to Officer Sherley Brown. They claimed to have struck one creature with their truck and seen others escape in a flying saucer.

Tools and materials

The primary tool was a dead rhesus monkey. Chemical agents included hair remover and green food dye. Physical tools involved a blow torch for creating pavement burns and a truck for the initial impact claim. The setup required careful placement of the corpse near the scorch marks to enhance the illusion of a recent crash site.

What it is for

The hoax was designed to entertain the pranksters and confuse authorities. It exploited the public's readiness to believe in alien encounters. The resulting media attention and police involvement validated their efforts. The stunt also served as a commentary on the gullibility surrounding UFO reports at the time. It generated numerous calls to the police department from residents claiming sightings.

Who does it

Edward Watters, Tom Wilson, and Arnold Payne executed the plan. Watters and Wilson were young barbers, while Payne worked as a butcher. Their professions likely influenced their manual dexterity and access to materials. They acted together as a group. Herman Jones and Professor Marion Hines from Emory University later investigated the specimen. Hines identified the animal as a standard monkey based on its anatomy.

Peoples and places

The event is tied to Atlanta, Georgia, and its residents. The local police force responded to the report. The broader American public participated through phone calls and belief in the narrative. The hoax reflects the cultural context of 1950s America, where science fiction themes permeated popular consciousness.

What people believe

The hoax relied on the prevailing belief that extraterrestrial visitation was possible. Many citizens accepted the story without skepticism due to existing fears. The veterinarian who examined the animal initially supported the alien theory, adding credibility. The Air Force investigation further legitimized the false narrative in the eyes of the public. The belief was sustained only until anatomical evidence proved otherwise.

When it is done

The event occurred on July 8, 1953. It took place during the peak of mid-century UFO enthusiasm. No specific religious or seasonal calendar dictated the timing. It was a spontaneous act by the pranksters. The reveal happened hours after the initial discovery.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Historians view the Martian Monkey as a classic example of media manipulation. It demonstrates how easily fabricated stories can gain traction during times of social anxiety. Scholars note the role of professional validation, such as the veterinarian's statement, in spreading misinformation. The case is often cited in discussions about the psychology of belief and the history of ufology.

Compare and confuse

Similar hoaxes have occurred throughout history, often using animals or props to simulate supernatural events. The Martian Monkey differs by specifically targeting UFO culture rather than traditional ghost lore. Other examples include the Cardiff Giant and various fake cryptid sightings. All share a common thread of exploiting public curiosity.

Law and persecution

The perpetrators faced minor legal penalties. Watters received a fine for traffic obstruction. There were no charges for the hoax itself at the time. The incident did not lead to new legislation regarding UFO reporting. It remains a historical footnote in Atlanta's legal records.

Today

The preserved specimen is displayed at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation mini-museum. It serves as an educational exhibit alongside other notable items like moonshine stills. The story has been retold in podcasts and television shows, keeping the memory alive. It stands as a humorous reminder of past gullibilities.

Questions people ask about Martian Monkey

Good reading and sources

• Martian Monkey on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data