the chimeric experimentation inspiration

Chimera, a monster in Greek mythology that had a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail, has given name to a new field of research called chimeric experimentation, or the combination of human and animal cells to create hybrid creatures that are part human and part animal.

Ever since human technology has allowed, scientists have been eager to create chimeras for the sake of what they claim to be humanity's well being. The reason for chimeric experimentations are always to understand and treat human diseases so that humans can live healthier and better lives.

In 2003, Chinese scientists at the Shanghai Second Medical University successfully combined human cells with rabbit eggs and the first reportedly human-animal chimeric embryos are created. This suggested a new way to produce human embryonic stem cells which many scientist hope to use eventually for treating disease.
USAToday.com:Rabbit eggs used to grow human stem cells

In 2004, researchers at the Mayo Clinic created pigs with human blood flowing through their bodies, which believed by many scientists to have possibly created a new model for understanding AIDS.
Mayo Genomics Researchers Observe Genetic Fusion of Human, Animal Cells -- May Help Explain Origin of AIDS

In 2005, Dr. Irving Weissman at Stanford University in California inserted human nerve cells into mounse fetuses and created mice that were one percent human, hoping to investigate how human brain cancers form.
Online NewsHour:EXTENDED INTERVIEW:IRVING WEISSMAN

There are no chimeras known to live past the embryonic stage. Thus, no one really know the exact appearance of a fully grown hybrid. However, what if scientists do succeed in creating fully grown part human and part animals creatures that are able to think like humans and are able to communicate with humans?

Most people do believe the experiments are unethical and do worry about the moral and legal status of such creatures. In the essay, "Scientists Busy Combing Human And Animal Cells to Create Hybrid Creatures," written by Jeremy Rifkin, the social impact of chimeric experimenation is clearly stated. Some of the questions he raised are:
Would such creatures enjoy human rights and protections under the law?
Would they be considered as human at all?
Would they be able to live normal lives without under constant surveillance?
Is it possible for them to mate with creatures from another species?
If it is, then would such a creature be able to mate with a human?
Then come the question: Would society allow inter-species conjugation?

Finally, there is the question:
Are scientist trying to play god and create new species?