Trans-Species Man Has 2 Fins Implanted In Head To Experience New Senses

Story By: William McGeeSub-EditorJoana Mihajlovska, Agency: Newsflash

This young man has said that he identifies as ‘trans-species’ after having two “fins” implanted in his skull to experience new senses.

‘Trans-species’ Manel Munoz, known artistically as Manel De Aguas, told local media: “I don’t consider myself 100 percent human.”

The 24-year-old Catalan photographer and music producer has had two 500-gram (17.6-oz) silicone “fins”, which he designed himself, surgically implanted in either side of his head.

@maneldeaguas/Newsflash

The fins are connected to a microchip that allows him to “hear” atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature changes.

De Aguas, who also identifies as a “cyborg”, travelled to Japan earlier this year to carry out the unorthodox operation.

He told local media: “The skin area is sore. And I remove the fins to sleep and bathe. I’m used to people looking at me in the street, but the truth is it doesn’t bother me.”

@maneldeaguas/Newsflash

He described the physical sensation from the implant as “a vibratory sound that travels through the bone”, adding “it is difficult to explain if you don’t experience it”.

De Aguas founded the Trans-species Society in 2017 with Neil Harbisson, the first “cyborg” legally recognised by a government, and dancer Moon Ribas, who had implants connected to online seismic sensors placed in her feet to allow her to feel earthquakes.

The Barcelona-based association describes itself as “giving voice to trans-species identities; raising awareness on issues trans-species face; advocating the freedom of self-design and offering the development of new senses and organs.

@maneldeaguas/Newsflash

De Aguas told local media: “To this day, man lives in a sort of anthropocentric bubble, seeing nature in a vertical hierarchical ladder in which man is above other species, and for me, this project also means breaking with that.”

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