MYSTERY has surrounded the discovery of a 'chimpanzee arm' on a west of Ireland beach.
Earlier this month, gardaí responded to reports of human remains washed up on Farrihy Beach near Doonbeg in Co Clare.
However, following further forensic analysis of the remains, it was believed the arm may be that of a primate and was given to Clare's County Dog Warden Frankie Coote.
Mr Coote told Clare FM: It's some form of an animal, and the unusual thing is it looks like a gorilla or chimpanzee.
"I have the photos, and the arm, so we're making enquiries now.
"It's as long as my own arm, I wanted to keep it as a back scratcher but my wife wouldn't allow me," he joked.
"I'm hoping to get in contact with someone who may be interested in examining it.
"It's unusual, but that's this job: you never know what you're going to meet."
But Melanie Croce, Operations Manager with Seal Rescue Ireland believes it actually belongs to a seal.
Ms Croce told Clare FM: "Based on the photo and location, I believe it could be a rear flipper of a grey seal.
"Just based on the shape and size - it's very long and sturdy - it would most likely be an adult male.
"Seals have complete femurs but they're within the body, so the only part that extends out are long toes, which are webbed with skin, which is the flipper."
Ms Croce added that it is more probable that the skeletal remains is that of a seal as the location is popular with a herd of seals.
