I was going to say "Chimp goes Ape"...but decided not to. Anyway, everyone probably heard about the 200pound chimp that attacked a woman and shredded her face. I have heard tons of folks addressing this tragedy from the "wild animal" angle but no one has talked about the fact that this chimp was probably post pubescent. How did his owner intend to deal with those raging hormones? Did he have a girlfriend or something equally as....satisfying? Why don't you think anyone has talked about that? Wouldn't any sane primate, this includes humans by the way, lose their minds if they were in a diaper after puberty?
Sage, it may be that when folks discuss such things they are forced to look at the incredibly narrow gap that separates us genetically from our simian cousins. I really believe that it makes some people a bit squeamish
I hear that the injured woman was sent to a facility that specializes in face transplants. How in the world will her life continue after all of this? Do you think the city or state should pay for her care, since it lawmakers decided to allow the chimp to remain in that home?
I'm reminded of the Siegfried and Roy fellow who got a right raking over from his big cat. We need to keep in mind that these are wild animals, no matter how cute or seemingly docile. Their nature always dwells beneath the surface.
I remember that! Did that fellow ever recover? I thnk there was an interview stating that he had a stroke while on stage, and the tiger was actually tying to pull him off stage. Of course, humans have no scruff to grab, so the flesh couldn't take the trauma. Did anyone else hear about that?
I heard of a large cat that "accidentally" killed its trainer. I don't remember the details of the incident, other than the cat refused to eat after it happened and died because of it.
It was perhaps a day or two ago, I saw a quick picture of Sigfried and Roy go by on the TV. I couldn't see anything on his face, but you know how planed with plastic surgery they both look. It wasn't a very near shot, either. I don't know how close they let cameras get to them.
I think it's ridiculous what happened, and I'm on the chimp's side on this one. I think it's horrible that it happened and I really hope the woman is able to recover and move on with her life, but what exactly was she expecting to happen? Sigh.
Sagemother, You are correct, it took some time but they finally determined that the cat was actually trying to protect him and help. It followed it's natural instinct unfortunately our bodies are a bit frail for that.
You are probably right. I read a National Geographic article a couple of years ago, stating that many scientists think that Chimps, as well as other Great Apes, should actually share more classifications with humans. They haven't pushed the issue because they fear people would be up in arms over it. I also remember a conversation I had with a fellow who didn't believe that humans were another kind of animal on the Earth. I pointed out to him that we are Primates, just like Great Apes. He was stunned. People really need to learn more about science and our place in the world.
