Report: CT Officials Warned of Chimp Attack
Monday, Jun 22, 2009 | Updated 1:12 PM EDT
Connecticut officials were warned about the dangers posed by Travis the chimp according to records.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- Records obtained by The Associated Press show that Connecticut officials failed to take action after being repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by a chimpanzee who later mauled and blinded a woman.
The 200-pound chimpanzee named Travis attacked Charla Nash of Stamford in February, ripping off her hands, nose, lips and eyelids.
She's been hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic, where she was listed in stable condition late last week.
The state's inaction could affect a lawsuit filed by the victim's family against chimp owner Sandra Herold of Stamford. The suit seeks $50 million in damages.
Attorneys are considering suing others, but declined further comment.
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection officials say the agency received general concerns about Travis, but no specific information that the chimpanzee was a public safety threat.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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