The Sun
CHIMPANZEES may share almost 99 per cent of our DNA – but there is one thing that clearly sets them apart from humans: pure brute strength.
Humans have suffered horrific injuries at the hands of the apes – which are estimated to be around four times more powerful than man.
Horrific pictures reveal what can happen when chimps attack – with some being pets which turned on their owners, zoo animals which went rogue, or even random attacks in the wild.
And it comes as for the first time ever, scientists revealed they have witnessed wild chimps killing and eating gorillas.
Researchers fear such fatal encounters could be down to climate change and diminished food supplies.
But attacks on humans have long hit headlines, leaving victims with lifelong – and life-changing – injuries, with these being some of the most shocking acts of chimp violence.
CHARLA NASH
When Charla Nash was savagely mauled by her friend’s pet chimpanzee, it was a wonder she survived at all.
In 2009, the then 50-year-old went to visit her pal Sandra Herold in Stamford Connecticut, where she had raised her pet chimpanzee Travis for most of his life.
But the chimp – who weighed more than 200 pounds – viciously attacked her.
Travis used his huge primate teeth to tear off Charla’s hands – before attacking her lips, eyelids, eyes, and nose.
By the time emergency responders got to the scene, there was very little left of her face, with doctors later having to reattach her jaw.
In a desperate bid to save her friend, Sandra picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed her pet chimp.
When help finally arrived, Travis approached the police car, attempted to open the door, and bared his mouthful of bloody fangs before officers shot him dead.
Charla has since undergone numerous surgeries to reconstruct her face through pioneering medical procedures.
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