A first responder likened the injuries suffered by St. James Davis to a grizzly bear attack, although the assault was actually carried out by two escaped chimpanzees. The incident occurred during a visit to an animal sanctuary in California where St. James was celebrating the 39th birthday of Moe, a chimp he had raised. The attack unfolded as the couple was about to share Moe’s birthday cake, with two younger male chimps suddenly appearing and viciously assaulting them.
Despite his efforts to protect his wife, St. James sustained severe injuries as one of the chimps aggressively attacked him, resulting in a series of horrifying wounds. Despite his size and strength, St. James was overpowered by the frenzied chimps, who inflicted extensive damage to his face, skull, nose, hand, foot, buttocks, and genitals. Efforts to stop the attack, including the use of a firearm, were only partially successful, with one of the chimps eventually being shot dead to halt the onslaught.
Following the brutal ordeal, St. James endured a lengthy and challenging recovery process, undergoing numerous surgeries to address his extensive injuries. His physical appearance was significantly altered, with prosthetic replacements required for his eye, nose, and fingers. Despite the ongoing medical procedures, St. James faced the possibility of further surgeries and the potential amputation of his foot.
An investigation revealed that the chimp attack occurred due to a lapse in securing the sanctuary’s enclosures, leading to the chimps’ escape. The motive behind the attack was speculated to be jealousy or territorial defense on the part of the chimps, possibly triggered by past traumatic experiences. The tragic incident marked a stark contrast to the decades-long bond between St. James and Moe, which began in 1967 and endured through various challenges and legal battles.
The aftermath of the attack left St. James with profound physical and emotional scars, impacting his daily life and independence. Despite the harrowing experience, St. James expressed enduring love and longing for Moe, whose whereabouts remained unknown following subsequent events. Sadly, St. James passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience and the enduring bond shared with his beloved chimp companion.