In this episode, we recount the harrowing 2009 attack on Charla Nash by Travis, a 200-pound chimpanzee raised as a human pet. We break down the terrifying sequence of events in Stamford, CT and the medical miracles that followed, including Charla’s historic full-face transplant. Finally, we look at how this tragedy exposed the dangers of the exotic pet trade and pushed for critical legislative changes like the Captive Primate Safety Act.

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_(chimpanzee)

https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/gruesome-details-revealed-from-chimp-attack/1865336/

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article13172279.html

HBO’s Chimp Crazy: Episodes 2 & 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1pdvV_gT6I