Sandra and Jerome Herold purchased Travis the chimpanzee at only three weeks old to have him as a pet, however he quickly became more like a son, as well as a staple in their town. Although Travis acted out at times, the community believed he wasn't a danger to those around him. Long time friend and employee, Charla Nash, would regularly drop into the Herold home to feed Travis. So in February of 2009, when Travis began acting out, Sandra called Charla for help, hoping a familiar face wouldn't set him off, however she was very wrong. Travis' attack on Charla ended in irreversible damage and tragedy all around.