A first responder likened the scene to a grizzly bear attack as St. James Davis suffered horrific injuries, not from a bear, but from two enraged chimpanzees that escaped their enclosure. St. James, a former NASCAR driver, was at a California animal sanctuary celebrating Moe’s 39th birthday when the attack occurred. Despite being a big and strong man, St. James was overpowered by the chimps, sustaining severe injuries to his face, eye, nose, hand, foot, buttocks, and genitals during the prolonged assault.
The attack continued for more than five minutes until one chimp was shot and killed, while the other was later put down as it continued to maul St. James. Following the incident, St. James underwent extensive medical treatment, including numerous surgeries to reconstruct his face and replace missing body parts. Despite his ordeal, he faced challenges with mobility and ongoing medical procedures to address his injuries.
Investigations revealed that the chimps escaped due to a failure to secure their enclosure properly. St. James, who lacked health insurance, chose not to pursue legal action against the sanctuary. Experts suggested that the chimps may have been motivated by jealousy or territorial defense, possibly stemming from past mistreatment by humans.
The tragic incident marked the end of a decades-long bond between St. James and Moe, a chimp he had cared for since 1967. Moe, once a celebrity chimp involved in legal battles for ownership, eventually found refuge in an animal sanctuary but tragically went missing in 2008. St. James, who cherished his relationship with Moe, passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love for his beloved chimp.