The human-chimpanzee hybrid was reportedly created through artificial insemination of a female primate.
Scientists Created A 'Humanzee' In A Lab But Later Euthanized It Over Ethical Concerns
Back in the 20th century, scientists supposedly managed to grow a hybrid species known as the 'humanzee,' but the creature was quickly euthanized due to 'moral and ethical considerations' that arose soon after.
In 1871, Charles Darwin proposed that humans likely originated in Africa, basing his theory on the traits and similarities found in African primates.
Since then, scientists throughout history have sought to explore and possibly challenge this evolutionary link by attempting to create a hybrid of a human and a chimpanzee, commonly called a 'humanzee'.
A Soviet biologist named Ilya Ivanovich Ivanov became famous for his controversial experiments in the 1920s when he tried to make such a hybrid.
However, he wasn’t the only scientist who aimed to create this type of creature.
Renowned evolutionary psychologist Gordon Gallup revealed that an experiment to create a 'humanzee' took place at a laboratory he was once affiliated with.
Gallup claims that the experiment was conducted in Florida, where scientists became alarmed after the procedure succeeded.
At this point, you might be wondering, 'Why would anyone even attempt such a thing?' It's a fair question.
Scientists suggest that this kind of research could have huge implications for the future, particularly in growing human organs inside monkeys for transplants.
Not too long ago, a researcher from Spain claimed that he had developed the world's first human-monkey hybrid in a lab in China.
This embryo was viable, and according to Juan Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, it could have fully developed if the process hadn't been interrupted.
Gallup notes that splicing humans with primates isn't a new practice. He points out that similar experiments were attempted during the 20th century.
Years after the event, Gallup shared details with The Sun: "One of the most interesting cases involved an attempt which was made back in the 1920s in what was the first primate research centre established in the US in Orange Park, Florida."
"They inseminated a female chimpanzee with human semen from an undisclosed donor and claimed not only that pregnancy occurred but the pregnancy went full term and resulted in a live birth."
"But in the matter of days, or a few weeks, they began to consider the moral and ethical considerations and the infant was euthanized."
Scientists allegedly working on the experiment inseminated a chimpanzee with human sperm, and after the hybrid baby was born, they decided to euthanize it due to their shock and fear over the consequences of what they'd done.
Gallup explained that the professor who relayed this information to him worked at the research center until it relocated to a university in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1930.
Gallup is well-known for developing the 'self-recognition' technique, which showed that primates can recognize themselves in mirrors and thus have self-awareness.
Though it might sound wild, scientists continue using monkey embryos in labs to understand how organs develop and grow.
Some researchers have even managed to maintain old embryos outside of the womb for up to 25 days.