Trunko
Witnesses watched a strange white creature battle two orcas off the South African coast before washing up on shore. The 47-foot 'Trunko' had an elephant-like trunk and white fur, defying identification.
The Margate Monster
On October 25, 1924, witnesses at Margate Beach, South Africa observed an extraordinary sight: a large white creature battling two orcas in the surf. The creature later washed ashore, where it was described as having white fur and an elephant-like trunk.
The Location
Margate Beach:
- KwaZulu-Natal
- South Africa
- Indian Ocean coast
- Resort town
- Public beach
The Battle
Witnesses saw:
- White creature
- Fighting two orcas
- In the surf
- Used trunk
- Epic struggle
The Carcass
What washed up:
- 47 feet long
- 10 feet wide
- White fur covered
- Eight-inch hair
- Trunk-like appendage
The Description
Reported features:
- No visible head
- Lobster-like tail
- White coloring
- No blood
- Unusual anatomy
The Name
“Trunko” came from:
- Trunk-like appendage
- Five feet long
- Front of body
- Most distinctive feature
- Later nickname
Witness Accounts
Observers noted:
- Battle lasted hours
- Creature fought back
- Used trunk as weapon
- Eventually defeated
- Washed ashore
The Examination
On beach:
- Ten days visible
- No official study
- Photos taken
- Then washed away
- Lost to sea
Possible Explanations
Theories include:
- Whale carcass
- Decomposed body
- Unknown species
- Globster phenomenon
- Basking shark
The Globster Theory
Modern thinking:
- Decomposed whale
- Fibrous connective tissue
- Appears furry
- Common misidentification
- Likely explanation
The Photos
Evidence:
- Photos existed
- Recently rediscovered
- Support globster theory
- Analysis ongoing
- Important documentation
Scientific Interest
Cryptozoologists:
- Studied accounts
- Analyzed photos
- Debate continues
- Mystery status
- Ongoing research
Historical Context
1920s limitations:
- No scientific study
- No specimens kept
- Photos only
- Witness accounts
- Lost opportunity
Significance
Multiple witnesses, photographed carcass, and dramatic battle observation from reliable sources.
Legacy
Trunko represents the lost opportunities of early cryptozoology—a mysterious creature photographed but never scientifically examined before disappearing forever.