A first responder likened the scene to a grizzly bear attack while recounting the brutal injuries suffered by St. James Davis. Surprisingly, the former NASCAR driver was not mauled by a 600lb bear but was instead viciously attacked by two enraged chimpanzees that had escaped from their enclosure.
The incident occurred when St. James visited Moe, a chimp he had raised since infancy, at a California animal sanctuary on Moe’s 39th birthday. As St. James and his wife LaDonna were preparing to celebrate with Moe, two younger male chimps, Buddy and Ollie, suddenly appeared and one of them launched an aggressive assault.
In a desperate attempt to shield his wife, St. James was knocked to the ground by one of the chimps who then proceeded to inflict severe injuries. Despite his courageous efforts to defend himself, the chimps relentlessly attacked him, causing extensive damage to his face, eyes, nose, hand, and other body parts.
The brutal mauling lasted for over five minutes, with the chimps showing no signs of halting their assault even when sprayed with water. Eventually, Mark Carruthers intervened by fatally shooting the chimps to stop the attack and save St. James.
Following the harrowing ordeal, St. James underwent numerous surgeries over several years to reconstruct his disfigured face and body. Despite enduring extensive physical and emotional trauma, he remained hopeful about undergoing further reconstructive procedures and rehabilitation.
An investigation revealed that the chimps escaped due to a lapse in securing their enclosure, leading to the tragic incident. Speculations arose about possible motives behind the attack, including jealousy or territorial defense by the chimps, possibly influenced by past mistreatment by humans.
The tragic event marked a stark contrast to the decades-long bond between St. James and Moe, which began when St. James took in the orphaned chimp in Africa years before the attack. Their relationship evolved into a unique companionship showcased at various public events, including NASCAR races.
Despite the turbulent episodes involving Moe in later years, St. James and LaDonna maintained a deep connection with the chimp, visiting him regularly until the fateful incident. The subsequent search for Moe following his escape highlighted the enduring impact of their bond, even amid tragedy.
Tragically, St. James passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love for Moe and a story of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.