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Chimp Mauling Victim Speaks, Family Is Encouraged
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 1, 2009
Modified Apr 1, 2009
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By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 1, 2009
Modified Apr 1, 2009
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The Connecticut woman who was severely mauled by her friend's chimpanzee is making progress, according to her brothers. Charla Nash, who is at the Cleveland Clinic (she reportedly "lost her nose, lips, eyelids, hands and bone structure in her mid-face"), was upgraded to critical but stable condition from just critical condition. Stephen and Michael Nash told the AP that she said her first word—"Lisa," the name of her nurse—two weeks ago. Now she's asking for her daughter (helped by a voice box), listens to music, and "tells her nurses if she is cold, tired or wants to be left alone." However, she does not know how injured she is: "Michael Nash said that with her level of sedation reduced, she will probably start asking questions soon about why she is in the hospital -- and a trauma expert is there to help her." While it's still unclear what brain damage his sister has suffered, Stephen Nash said, "I'm a lot more optimistic now. Everything she does is going in the right direction." The Nash family has sued chimp owner Sondra Herold for $50 million in damages.
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charla nash
chimp attack
chimp mauling
sondra herold
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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