In 2009, Charla Nash made headlines around the world when she was brutally attacked by a 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis. The attack left her with devastating injuries that included the loss of her hands, nose, and eyesight. Over a decade later, Charla’s story continues to inspire and educate people about the dangers of exotic animal ownership and the importance of animal welfare.

Who is Charla Nash?

Charla Nash was born and raised in Connecticut. She grew up in a close-knit family and had a happy childhood. As a young adult, she worked hard and made a name for herself in the business world. She was a valued employee at a major company, where she worked in the administrative department. Charla’s colleagues described her as intelligent, compassionate, and reliable. She was known for her excellent work ethic and was respected by everyone who worked with her.

Aside from her professional life, Charla was also a dedicated mother to her daughter, Briana. She loved spending time with her and was actively involved in her daughter’s life. Charla was also close to her other family members and had a supportive network of friends.

Charla’s life was filled with hope and promise. She had a bright future ahead of her and was looking forward to the next chapter of her life. However, all of that changed when she was attacked by a friend’s pet chimpanzee in 2009.

Charla Nash attacked by Travis

On February 16, 2009, Charla Nash went to the home of her friend, Sandra Herold, to help out with Travis, a 14-year-old chimpanzee that Sandra had been keeping as a pet. Travis was known for his friendly demeanor and had been featured in commercials and television shows.

Charla Nash with Travis the chimp
Charla Nash with Travis the chimp

However, on the day of the attack, Travis had become agitated and aggressive for unknown reasons. Travis had escaped from his cage and roamed the property before attacking Charla. When Charla arrived at the house, Travis attacked her, biting and mauling her with incredible force. Charla’s injuries were life-threatening, and she was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Charla suffered devastating injuries that included the loss of her hands, nose, and eyesight.

After the attack, Travis was shot and killed by police officers, who had been called to the scene to subdue him. The incident was a tragic reminder of the danger of keeping exotic animals as pets, and it drew national attention to the issue. In the aftermath of the attack, laws governing exotic pet ownership were strengthened in several states, including Connecticut.

Charla’s Recovery and Rehabilitation

After months of rehabilitation and surgeries, Charla Nash made significant progress in regaining some of the functions she had lost due to the attack. She learned to walk with the help of a cane and to eat solid foods again. Despite the ongoing pain and difficulties, Charla remained determined to regain as much of her independence as possible.

Charla Nash after face transplant
Charla Nash after face transplant

In 2011, Charla underwent a groundbreaking hand transplant surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, becoming the first person in the United States to receive a double hand transplant. The procedure involved transplanting the hands of a deceased donor onto Charla’s arms and required a team of over 40 surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals. The surgery was a success, and Charla began the long process of learning to use her new hands.

In 2015, Charla underwent another groundbreaking surgery, this time to receive a face transplant at the same hospital. The procedure involved transplanting the face of a deceased donor onto Charla’s face and required another team of over 100 medical professionals. The surgery was a success, and Charla once again made history as one of the few people in the world to have received a face transplant.

Despite the success of her transplant surgeries, Charla continued to face ongoing challenges in her recovery. She required lifelong medication to prevent her body from rejecting the transplanted organs, and she continued to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain as much function as possible.

Charla’s journey has been a source of inspiration for many people, and her bravery and resilience have helped to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and transplant surgery.

Charla’s Legacy and Impact on Animal Rights

Following the attack, Connecticut passed a law that banned private ownership of primates weighing more than 50 pounds, including chimpanzees. Other states have also tightened their laws regarding the ownership of exotic animals, and some have outright banned such ownership.

Travis the 10-year-old chimpanzee picture with his owner Sandra Herold in 2002.
Travis the 10-year-old chimpanzee picture with his owner Sandra Herold in 2002.

Charla’s story has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of animal rights and welfare. Many animal rights advocates have used her experience to highlight the need for greater protection for animals in captivity, particularly those used in the entertainment industry or kept as exotic pets.

Charla Nash’s Media Appearances

Charla Nash has made several high-profile media appearances since her attack, including an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013. In the interview, Charla discussed her ongoing recovery and the impact that the attack had on her life. She also shared her thoughts on the need for greater awareness of the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets and the need for stronger laws to protect both animals and humans.

Chalra Nash before the attack
Chalra Nash before the attack

Charla has also appeared on other television shows, including “The Today Show” and “Dr. Phil,” where she has shared her story and advocated for animal welfare. She has also been the subject of several documentaries and news segments that have explored the impact of her story on the public perception of exotic animal ownership and animal rights.

In addition to her media appearances, Charla has also been involved in several advocacy campaigns and organizations that work to promote animal welfare and safety. She has spoken at events and conferences and has worked to raise awareness about the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets.

Where is Charla Nash now?

Charla Nash, the victim of a vicious chimpanzee attack in 2009, currently resides in a nursing home outside of Boston. After the attack, she lost both her hands, nose, lips, and one eye, and is now blind. She has undergone multiple surgeries, including a double hand and face transplant, and has a prosthetic hand that she uses to eat. She listens to audiobooks and music to pass the time. She received $4 million from the lawsuit against the animal’s owner to cover her legal and medical bills.

Charla Nash’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of exotic animal ownership and the need for stronger protections for both humans and animals. Her experience has had a profound impact on the public perception of wild animal ownership and has led to important changes in laws and regulations governing the ownership of exotic animals.


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