A first responder likened the scene to a grizzly bear attack while recounting the brutal nature of the injuries sustained by St. James Davis. Contrary to initial impressions, the former NASCAR driver was not attacked by a massive bear but rather by two aggressive chimpanzees that had escaped from their enclosure.
The incident occurred when St. James visited Moe, a chimp he had raised, at a California animal sanctuary on Moe’s 39th birthday. As St. James and his wife LaDonna were celebrating with Moe, two younger male chimps, Buddy and Ollie, unexpectedly appeared and initiated a vicious assault.
In a desperate attempt to shield his wife, St. James found himself under attack by the chimpanzees. Despite his efforts to defend himself, the animals inflicted severe wounds, including gouging out his eye, tearing off his nose, and mauling his face and body.
Efforts to halt the attack proved futile until Mark Carruthers, the sanctuary owner’s son-in-law, resorted to using a firearm to stop the rampaging chimps. Tragically, St. James endured extensive injuries, leading to a prolonged hospitalization and numerous reconstructive surgeries over the following years.
The investigation revealed that the chimp attack was a result of the animals possibly feeling threatened or territorial. The connection between St. James and Moe dated back to 1967, marking a nearly four-decade bond that culminated in a tragic and life-altering event.
Despite enduring immense physical and emotional challenges post-attack, St. James faced a long road to recovery, including the prospect of further surgeries and prosthetic replacements. The incident shed light on the dangers posed by wild animals and the importance of proper safety measures in animal sanctuaries.
Sadly, the aftermath of the attack left St. James with profound physical limitations, symbolizing the enduring impact of the tragic encounter with the chimpanzees. His unwavering love for Moe endured through the years, even as he navigated the arduous journey of healing and rehabilitation.