Chimp Victim Gets $4 million From Owner Of Animal Who Mauled Her

Chimp victim Charla Nash should receive $4 million from the estate of the animal's now-dead owner, according to a settlement agreement.

Chimp victim gets $4 million (Photo: Today, Youtube)

Filed in Stamford Probate Court, the settlement agreement calls for Sandra Herold's estate to provide Nash with $3.4 million in real estate, $331,000 in cash, $140,000 in machinery and equipment and $44,000 in vehicles.

In February 2009, Nash was grievously mauled by celebrity chimpanzee Travis, blinding her while severing her nose, ears, both hands and severely lacerating her face. The chimp, who appeared on US TV shows and commercials for Old Navy and Coca-Cola, was subsequently shot dead on the arrival of the police, after trying to attack an officer.

The incident led the U.S. Congress and state officials to consider strengthening laws against keeping exotic animals.

In March 2009, a $50 million lawsuit was filed against Nash's friend and the chimp's owner, Sandra Herold, by an attorney for the family of Nash. The lawsuit alleged Herold knew Travis was dangerous but failed to confine him to a secure area and allowed him to roam her property. It also claimed Herold gave the chimp medication that exacerbated his 'violent propensities'.

A Stamford judge froze Herold's assets, valued at $10 million, two months after the suit was filed.

In May 2010, reports said Herold had died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm at the age of 72.