History of the Ape Man of New Orleans

Like all good legends, the origins of the Ape Man of New Orleans are shrouded in mystery. Also like all legends, there are a number of different theories.

One theory holds that the AMoNO was a deformed child born to a local woman who was cursed by a voodoo priestess. Another theory is that the Ape Man is one of a small tribe of hitherto undiscovered creatures that live in the swamps of southern Louisiana who somehow managed to wander into the city.

By far, the most commonly argued theory is that the AMoNO is not native to New Orleans at all, but instead managed to stow aboard a freighter coming from somewhere in Indochina and chose to disembark in New Orleans for any number of speculative reasons.

We may never know the exact truth of the AMoNO's origins. But we do have a brief timeline of events that we can use to help us piece together a picture, however incomplete, of this mysterious creature.

June 1987

The first documented sighting of the Ape Man occurred June 16, 1987, when a French Quarter resident by the name of Babette LaFleur frantically phoned police to report that a "brutish man" had climbed up to the balcony of her second-story flat and was "ogling" her. According to the police report, she described the brute as being "hunched over" and "squat, with long arms." She also reported that it was "sniffing powerfully, as if he had a terribly bad cold." Miss LaFleur did not get a close look at the Ape Man because she, in her words, "ran and locked myself in my bedroom as soon as I saw that feral brow pressed against my window."

July 1987

The Ape Man was seen again not three weeks later, around the Fourth of July holiday. Four revelers, two men and two women, were enjoying beer and music in their private courtyard on Dauphine Street. Suddenly they heard the sound of what they described as "brachiation" in one of the trees overhanging the yard. They looked up and caught a glimpse of "a large creature, almost man-sized, that seemed to be peering down the girls' blouses," according to Kevin McNamara's account in local newspapers. As soon as the creature became aware it was spotted, it "hurtled over the wall faster than a Cajun could shuck a crawdad."

July - December 1987

Various other accounts exist from 1987, also mostly from French Quarter residents. These accounts are sketchy and consist mainly of people observing from the corner of their eyes the quick, scurrying motions of a large creature apparently eager to avoid being seen.

Of particular note is the "Christmas visitation" related by Darlene Kozniak, who lived in a ground floor flat on St. Peter. She was home on Christmas day talking to her mother long distance when she heard the sound of a garbage can being upset in the alleyway. Telling her mother she would call her back, Miss Kozniak hung up and made sure she had the number to the police close by. When she went to the window to investigate, she saw "a bare but somewhat hairy ass vaulting over the fence."

January 1988 - November 2002

Literally dozens of similar accounts exist from this 15-year period, from both men and women, including several prominent businessmen and at least one police officer. Despite this, city officials continue to scoff at the existence of the AMoNO.

December 2002

On one particularly active night, December 30, 2002, numerous women celebrating the upcoming new year report hearing strange vocalizations from shadowy places in alleyways and also in Jackson Square. One woman, Ashley Durant, reports being brushed by a "gross hand, with leathery palms and groping fingers." According to Miss Durant, she wheeled "and shouted, 'Ewww, go away!' and I saw a dark shape scamper down Pirate's Alley and disappear near the cathedral."

January - November 2003

Reported sightings are few and far between for this 11-month period; however, the only known photo of the Ape Man, taken near a Lucky Dog stand, dates from this time.

December 2003

Patrons of a bar on Conti Street report hearing loud sniffing noises and observing a plate of crawfish, that had been resting on a window sill, fall into the street. A "squat figure" was seen slinking away.

January 2003 - present

There have been no more reported sightings since January 2003. If you have an Ape Man story, let us know!