Travis (chimpanzee)

Travis was a male common chimpanzee ( Pan troglodytes ) who gained notoriety after attacking and severely maiming Charla Nash in Stamford, Connecticut, on February 16, 2009. He had been kept as a pet by Sandra Herold and her husband Jerome for almost 14 years.

Travis was purchased from a chimpanzee breeder when he was a few days old and was raised in Herold's home, where he was treated as a member of the family. He was known for his unusual ability to open doors using keys, dress himself, water plants, feed hay to Herold's horses, and drink wine from a stemmed glass. He also watched television and used a computer.

Prior to the attack on Nash, Travis had exhibited some signs of aggression, including an incident in 2003 where he escaped from Herold's car and wandered through Stamford for several hours before being captured.

On the day of the attack, Travis reportedly became agitated after Herold gave him Xanax mixed in his tea, an attempt to calm him down after he became stressed by a stranger's presence on her property. The attack occurred when Nash, a friend of Herold's, arrived at the property. Travis severely mauled Nash, causing extensive injuries to her face, hands, and chest.

Police were called to the scene, and Travis attacked a police officer and attempted to enter his patrol car. The officer shot Travis multiple times, and the chimpanzee retreated into Herold's house, where he later died.

The attack on Charla Nash raised serious questions about the safety and ethics of keeping primates as pets, particularly large and powerful animals like chimpanzees. The incident led to increased scrutiny of regulations regarding exotic animals and prompted legislative changes in several states. Following the attack, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection passed a law prohibiting the possession of primates weighing over 50 pounds.

The attack left Charla Nash permanently disfigured and requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. She later underwent a face transplant. The case also resulted in legal action, including a lawsuit filed by Nash against the Herold estate.