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Platypus vulturis vulgaris Kane/Hoelzel
(The Vultipus)
Created by: Kane and Hoelzel, in the Genomex laboratories, November 2004
The platypus vulturis vulgaris (vultipus) has offspring hatching from eggs, which it feeds with its breast milk. The platypus vulturis has ten sexual chromosomes. Vultipuses preferably bring out female offspring. Even when reaching adulthood, young vultipuses have a strong tendency to stay with their mother; thus, vultipuses are likely to be found in groups of one mother-animal living with its female offspring, often entertaining long and affectionate relationships.
"One end of the chain looks like human sex chromosomes but the other end of the chain looks like bird sex chromosomes, so the chain is actually linking a very ancient system of sex determination in birds and probably reptiles too." Jennifer Graves, PhD
Vultipuses are very sensitive creatures. They need to be talked to very gently and also require permanent grooming and caressing. Due to their very fragile nature, vultipuses also are not recommended as working animals. Due to living in the water, vultipuses preferably feed upon fish eggs; they may require highly expensive nutrition if kept as pets.
Vultipuses are also highly receptive towards music. Research has shown that they react especially to Henry Purcell, and to romantic jukebox music from the 1950s. Vultipuses in general are very quick-tempered animals; requiring steady, affectionate care, they have some strong need for permanently getting attention. Be careful before buying one, as vultipuses have a tendency for longevity; taking one as your pet may mean for you to enter a responsibility for lifetime. In studies conducted within the last few months, vultipus keepers have repeatedly reported their pets uttering loud barks and shrieks in case of dissatisfaction. According to recent information, however, no vultipus keeper has been bitten yet.
The creators wish to express their deep gratitude to their scientific colleagues; and moreover, we would also like to express our gratitude to our sponsors. This project of creating the Platypus vulturis would not have been possible without the generous donations of the Eckhart Charitable Society for Drug-Addicted Geneticists, the Breedlove Foundation, and the Vienna Harpsichord Builders Guild.
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Legend & Lore of the Vultipus
Before being brought to life in the laboratory, the vultipus enjoyed a ‘life’ in legend and literature.
Equally at home in the sea and sky, the vultipus symbolizes tenacity, adaptability, and persistence. Folk-tales abound with a typically plucky vultipus earnestly conducting themself, but often betrayed by the false and fickle, who carry off the creations of the vultipus and claim them as their own.
The determined vultipus carries on, rebuilding that which was taken, while the false and fickle fall upon one another in discord, destroying all they have.
The archetypal vultipus, with his wings and webbed feet, is ready for any challenge. Regarded by some as eccentric or even odd, the vultipus of the folktale is revealed to be pragmatic and creative, a resourceful figure inspiring generations to figuratively swim upstream against the current or fly over the highest mountains to attain that which is just, fair, and honorable.
Electra & Dark Mirage
Vultipus wildlife photography by Electra
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