Now THIS is an underrated cryptid.
I remember being a kid and being fascinated with the possibility of creatures like Bigfoot or Nessie, but I didn't even find out the Mokele-mbembe legend existed until way later in my life...which is kinda too bad, because when I was little, I sure would've had fun with this one!
To be honest, I'm not sure why some scientists always want to frame cryptozoology as a science vs. creationists battle. I'd say that a significant portion of the people who would like Mokele-mbembe or other cryptids to exist are just in it for the fun of the idea. And yes, I would include myself in that group. Do I believe it's likely that most cryptids exist? Well, I'd be lying if I said the lack of hard evidence wasn't discouraging...but on the other hand, I just think the stories are fun. Who's to say we know everything about our world yet, anyway?
However, I will admit that Mokele-mbembe seems like one of the more unlikely cryptids to exist. How long could such large creatures be able to sustain themselves in a secluded patch of rainforest? Why haven't people discovered any footprints or other evidence when such clues would have to result from the size of the animal alone?
But regardless of how unlikely the existence of this creature is, I personally am still happy to play along.
Because who DOESN'T like to imagine that a dinosaur-type creature could be hidden out in the rainforest somewhere?