The story of St. James Davis is one of the most horrific and heartbreaking examples of a wild animal attack in modern history. His experience not only shocked the world but also opened up intense discussions about the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets or in captivity.
St. James Davis and his wife, LaDonna Davis, once raised a chimpanzee named Moe as if he were part of their family. Moe was brought into their home as a baby, and for years, he lived with them, wore clothes, ate at the dinner table, and became a local celebrity. However, as Moe grew older, his size and strength increased, and his behavior became more unpredictable. Eventually, due to legal challenges and public safety concerns, Moe was removed from their home and placed in a wildlife sanctuary in California.
On March 3, 2005, the couple visited the sanctuary to celebrate Moe’s birthday. What was meant to be a joyful reunion turned into a nightmare. During the visit, two other chimpanzees—who were not Moe—managed to escape their enclosure. These were full-grown, adult chimps, each weighing over 150 pounds and possessing incredible strength.
Without warning, the chimps launched a brutal and unprovoked attack on St. James Davis. They tore off his nose, lips, fingers, genitals, and part of his buttocks. The scene was described as something out of a horror film. His wife, LaDonna, attempted to intervene and was also injured. A sanctuary employee eventually shot and killed the attacking chimps, which stopped the assault.
St. James Davis survived but was left permanently disfigured. He has undergone numerous surgeries, skin grafts, and reconstructive procedures in an effort to restore some of his functionality and appearance. The image you provided reflects the devastating “before and after” effect of the attack—showing Davis before the tragedy and his significantly altered face afterward.
This tragic event sparked a nationwide debate about the dangers of keeping exotic animals as pets and led to more stringent laws in some states regarding chimpanzee ownership. It also raised awareness about the incredible strength and unpredictability of great apes, no matter how familiar or friendly they may seem in captivity.
St. James Davis’ story is a sobering reminder of the power of nature—and the importance of respecting the boundaries between humans and wild animals.
