A first responder described the gruesome scene as resembling a grizzly bear attack, but the severe injuries inflicted on St. James Davis were actually caused by two wild chimpanzees that escaped their enclosure. The former NASCAR driver was at an animal sanctuary in California celebrating Moe’s 39th birthday when the violent incident occurred. St. James, along with his wife LaDonna, was inside the chimp’s enclosure preparing to share birthday cake when two younger male chimps, Buddy and Ollie, suddenly appeared and initiated the brutal assault.
In a courageous attempt to shield his wife, St. James faced the raging chimps who mercilessly attacked him. Despite his considerable stature, the animals overwhelmed him, causing extensive damage to his face, eyes, nose, hand, and other body parts. The ferocious attack lasted for over five minutes, during which the frantic chimps inflicted devastating injuries on St. James, showing no signs of halting their aggression.
Efforts to stop the brutal assault included spraying the chimps with water, and eventually resorting to lethal force with firearms. Despite these interventions, St. James sustained life-altering injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and numerous surgeries. The aftermath of the attack left him with severe physical impairments, including facial disfigurement, loss of fingers, and mobility challenges.
An investigation revealed that the tragic incident occurred due to the chimps escaping their enclosure, attributed to negligent security measures. St. James, lacking health insurance, refrained from legal action against the sanctuary. The underlying reasons for the chimps’ aggression were speculated to be related to jealousy, territorial defense, or past trauma inflicted by humans.
The tragic story unfolded against a backdrop of a decades-long bond between St. James and Moe, beginning in 1967 when St. James rescued the orphaned chimp in Africa. Their enduring connection led to Moe becoming a central figure in St. James’ life, even serving as his best man at his wedding. Despite subsequent incidents involving Moe and legal battles over his ownership, the bond between St. James and the chimp remained strong.
The aftermath of the attack left St. James with profound physical and emotional scars, necessitating ongoing medical care and reconstructive surgeries. His enduring love for Moe and the tragic turn of events underscored the complexities of human-animal relationships and the devastating consequences of unexpected violence. St. James’ untimely death in 2018 marked the end of a tumultuous yet deeply impactful journey intertwined with the enigmatic bond between man and primate.
