Woman Attacked by Chimpanzee Appears on Oprah

In February of this year, a Connecticut woman was asked to help contain a 200 lb pet chimpanzee, who was loose in the owner's home. As a reward for her good deed, the chimp attacked Charla Nash, ripping off her nose, lips, eyelids and hands. Ms Nash remains hospitalized in Cleveland.

During her appearance on Oprah Wednesday, Charla Nash said that she had told the owner numerous times that the chimpanzee was dangerous. It is unknown why she agreed to help capture the animal, knowing he was a threat, or why the owner didn't take previous warnings seriously. The chimpanzee is reported to routinely have thrown things from his cage and create such a ruckus as to damage the enclosure. The 14-year-old chimp was shot and killed by police after the attack.

Since the beginning of time, man has attempted to domesticate animals for his own use. Some push further and cage them strictly for entertainment purposes, a novelty that has proven to be extremely dangerous. The case of the attack by Travis, the rogue chimp, is certainly not isolated.

There are numerous reports of wild animals in captivity attacking - even killing - humans. BigCatRescue.org is dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of keeping wild animals in a domestic environment, but as long as people think the furry little kitten, cub or chimp is adorable, the dangers will remain.

Even those with a long history of working with wild animals aren't exempt from harm, as was the case with the widely publicized tiger attack during a Siegfried and Roy show several years ago. Zoo animals being taken to local schools also pose a serious threat, as evidenced by the 2002 attack of a 6-year-old boy by a 150 lb tiger.

Why do we continue to allow wild animals to be kept in the home? Why aren't laws more stringent in governing the purchase, ownership and control of animals that pose such a threat to innocent people?

According to FoxNews.com, attorneys for the Nash family are filing a $50 million lawsuit against the chimpanzee's owner, whose own lawyer is arguing that it should be filed as a workers' compensation claim. Since the chimp had been reported to the state officials as being violent, a $150 million lawsuit may also be pending against the state of Connecticut.

Sadly, no amount of money will give Charla Nash back her face or her eyesight.

Sources:
http://www.oprah.com
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
http://www.kidzworld.com