Another inappropriate pet goes bad

A 200-pound chimpanzee kept as a pet attacked and seriously injured a woman visiting a Stamford, Conn., home Monday, the police said.

The chimpanzee, named Travis, who had appeared in television commercials, was shot and killed by an officer when he charged the police and cornered that officer in his cruiser, the police said.

The injured woman was hospitalized late Monday in very serious condition at Stamford Hospital. Her identity was not released.

Stamford police Capt. Richard Conklin said the woman was getting out of her car in front of her friend’s house when Travis attacked for no apparent reason.

Sandra Herold, the owner of the 15-year-old chimpanzee, wrestled with the animal as it mauled her friend, then ran inside to call 911.

“She retrieved a large butcher knife and stabbed her longtime pet numerous times in an effort to save her friend, who was really being brutally attacked,” Captain Conklin said.

More of this sad story.

Photo: Associated Press Photo of Travis in 2003

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