Chimp Mauling Victim Has Surgery, Chimp Owner Is "Hollow"

Jen Chung

Published Feb 19, 2009

Modified Feb 19, 2009

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Jen Chung

Published Feb 19, 2009

Modified Feb 19, 2009

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The Connecticut woman who was viciously mauled by her friend's 200-pound chimp underwent surgery yesterday. The family of Charla Nash thanked people for their support, noting that she made "some good, but small progress." Her twin brother Mike Nash said, "It should be known that people who were complete strangers to us prior to this have selflessly offered their assistance to our family, and we are eternally grateful."

However, Nash's injuries are very severe: According to the Stamford Advocate, her injuries required "four teams of surgeons, including specialists in hand surgery, plastic surgery, orthopedic ophthalmology, trauma and anesthesia." The Daily News reports that, per paramedics, "Nash, 55, lost her nose, eyes and jaw as the crazed simian ate her alive in the driveway" of Sondra Herold.

Herold tried to stop her chimp Travis's attack on Nash by stabbing him and hitting him with a shovel, but ultimately called 911 and asked that police shoot him, which they eventually did. The Post details Herold's close relationship with Travis: "She fed him filet mignon and lobster tails. They shared cozy glasses of wine. They bathed and slept together. He tenderly brushed her hair. She gave him gifts and sweet kisses. He drew her pictures." Friends say that the deaths of her only child and husband brought her closer to Travis. NYU clinical psychiatry professor Howard Welsh opined, "This woman was depriving this animal of a whole world. She made this world for the chimp simply her. He was a chimp in a gilded cage."

Herold is bereft—upset about her friend's injuries and her pet's death. She told WCBS 2, "I'm like hollow now. I have nothing left... It's a tragedy on both parts, for my friend and for him." Authorities are investigating the attack; an animal control officer says she had concerns about Travis after a 2003 incident where he disrupted traffic.

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chimp

chimpanzee attack

connecticut

sondra herold

stamford

travis