The Story of Travis the Chimp | A Short Documentary | Fascinating Horror 

"travis took sandras car keys and left the house" ... *what*

If she felt like she had to give him drugs to calm him down, that was a red flag

The fact that Travis the chimp was able to be hit over the head with a shovel multiple times, stabbed by a butcher knife a few time, and shot at close-range several times BEFORE finally dying of blood loss goes to show that Chimpanzees really do have terrifying strength.

Frank Chiafari was the officer who shot Travis. He was denied PTSD compensation as the shooting victim was not human.

“To this day we are not sure why he attacked” Chimp: *downs a few Xanax with a glass of wine after a day of road rage* Also chimp: *is a chimp*

"Travis could dress himself and drink wine from a glass" I'm done 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

I listened to the entire 911 call (I don’t recommend it) and the most haunting part for me is when Sandra’s voice breaks again and she almost shouts, “he’s eating her! He’s eating her!” That’s not something that commonly spoken about regarding this incident, but maybe that’s for a good reason…

You’re saying a chimpanzee, a species known for their brutality and cannibalism almost killed someone while on drugs? And the owner is surprised? What a loon

Moral of the story, leave the bloody animals in the wild where they belong ffs.

"Travis had been a beloved pet and family member"... that she fed drugs, alcohol and pretty much denied he's an animal. She was buried next to Travis' remains...not her husband's?

I'm surprised it took Travis as long as it did to go berserk!! You CANNOT keep a wild animal in captivity and expect it to behave as you want it to. Giving him drugs, dressing him up and giving him unsuitable foods - it was an accident waiting to happen.. This dreadful tragedy could have been avoided if Travis had been left in the sanctuary. My heart goes out to Charla and her family

Dude, no wonder Travis snapped...he was being given anti-anxiety medicine for humans, while being treated like an entitled teen. Hope she recovers, how awful!

This monkey had reached sexual maturity and may have become territorial. He also might have been frustrated that he was an alpha adult male being treated like a child

The fact that she was lacing his tea with Xanax makes me think this wasn't the first outburst and that she wasn't telling us everything.

There is also the issue of his age, which no-one seems to have even considered. He was reaching adulthood, and the behavior (and particularly the aggression levels) of an adult male chimp is significantly different from that of a youngster. Add to that, that the previous lead male of the "troop" (his owner's husband) had passed, leaving him as the sole male in the "troop" which would pretty much automatically elevate his status to leader (now that he was becoming an adult), and thus also raise his aggression levels, something that was obviously becoming an issue as evidenced by the fact that that his owner was trying to medicate him for it. As with anything wild, they are cute, and often compliant, when young, but people forget that they grow up, and that adults are very different from juveniles. That their instincts will drive them them to become independent, and either strike out on their own, or to establish their place in their society, generally through aggression and confrontation.

Another sad thing about this is that Travis's biological mother also was gunned down for attacking humans in 2001. The 'sanctuary' Travis was born in was partly a business called 'Chimp Party' which hired chimps out for parties, film projects, etc. One day Travis's mother Susie escaped from her enclosure along with a few other chimps and attacked a group of young adults who were out with their dog. One man managed to get his gun and defended his dog and friends from Susie who was as intent on destruction as Travis years later. This man was given a one year jail sentence for destruction of property, despite the fact that not shooting the chimp would have resulted in someone being dead or mutilated. Chimps are not humans, they belong with other chimps and treating them like children is never good for them. Poor Travis, he was stuck with no other chimps, no mate, his adoptive father had died and he was still mourning him, he was on xanax and heavily overweight and unstimulated. Its good that Charla is doing better and is able to tell her story and testify to what happens to animals like Travis who get treated as human.

Xanax, alcohol, and testosterone, never a good combination!!

Hearing the 911 call with the woman screaming and the chimp screeching in the background is TERRIFYING

I live in Connecticut and I will never forget the day that incident occurred. They played the 911 tapes and even the women who was the owner of Travis was shouting in the background to shoot him. Even she was aware at that point that her beloved pet was still an extremely dangerous wild animal that regardless of the level of visual domestication he showed she knew he was dangerous. It was said that she was administering Xanax to him so she must have been aware of his elevated levels of risk and aggression. He literally tore that poor woman’s hands off of her wrists and chewed half her face off and tried to enter police cars as they drove up. Humans think that these wild animals can be tamed completely and are harmless, even when raised from a baby in the care of humans but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. When will we learn?

My mom told me stories of this. She used to be friends with the owner and she even saw Travis in person.

This looks like one of those "He was a normal boy" "Until he wasn't" serial killer tv shows.

I’m sorry but chimpanzees are not meant to be pets. This was inevitable. And the owner should have NEVER let anyone else handle her chimp.

here after the meatcanyon jojo siwa vid

Anyone else notice so many similarities with Jordan Peele's "NOPE"? Gordy/Travis having a similar backstory, being on a TV pilot, Travis knowing how to feed horses, knowing sign language, the Oprah interview with the lady (Oprah shot), the similarities even with the women both wearing veils, etc. Jordan Peele clearly took inspiration from this tragedy, kinda neat to see him make his own spin off not taming wild animals. Amazing.

Probally not a good idea to give a monkey Xanax

I feel like it’s unfair that the friend got attacked instead of the animal’s dumb owner.

I remember this story featured on Fatal Attractions, a series based on true stories about people who owned dangerous creatures as pets. The moral of the story is, “No matter how much you love these wild animals and want to keep them as pets. They are still wild animals.”

In this tragic case, there were two victims. Charla, who miraculously survived not without life changing injuries that took her entire face and eyesight. Travis, who would still be alive and well had selfish humans not pretended he was something was not. He should have been rehabilitated, living amongst others of his kind. Not dressed up like a doll and fed alcohol and drugs. He was afraid and confused. And his owner indirectly murdered him.

He was adopted from a sanctuary? I thought sanctuaries were meant to protect wild animals and that they discourage wild pet adoptions. That's strange.

Can you imagine a huge chimp being able to use keys to get into a house? And open car doors? Terrifying.

Meatcanyon anyone ?

Don't blame the chimp for being a animal.

I feel bad for this woman's friend. This "pet" should not have been her responsibility. Holy shit, what a thing to survive.

There’s something she isn’t telling anyone, chimp was smart enough to drive learn ice cream schedule open doors with keys but didn’t tell hairstyles apart cmon, an what owner gives any kinda pet Xanax

Every so often, I become fascinated with this case all over. One of the theories is that Travis had reached the height of full male adulthood- they have major personality changes at that time, in the wild. Travis hit his male peak; he was acting in his chimp nature. Highly aggressive, territorial, unpredictable, and VERY strong. I felt bad for Travis.

It’s crazy and tragic seeing that picture of younger Charla and Travis sitting on her shoulder, knowing what ended up happening :(

Are we seriously not going to talk about them giving him wine

“What’s the problem” “SHES KILLING MY FRIEND” “What’s your problem?”

if I had a chimp and he learned how to use keys and knew how to drive.... he's going to the local zoo.

I love your channel, and I’m so glad to be on it. You really did the story justice and I appreciate how you said that wild animals will always tame wild. Please, everyone, never ever try to tame an exotic pet.

The fact that they were already giving him Xanax and Wine, To calm him down, already sais that he was beggining to behave aggresive, and they were trying to subdue him, he just wanted to be free in the wilds, and the owners refused to let him go.

The fact that the owner was giving him xanax laced tea to "calm him down" is all of a red flag that is needed here. Wild animals are wild animals, no matter how intelligent or charming they are.

Primates are not pets! This story is heartbreaking, for both Charla & and Travis. These are wild animals. It doesn’t matter how nice Travis behaved there is no way to predict how he would respond in certain situations.

This is the one that still gives me chills every time I listen to it. Fascinating Horror, indeed.

Woman: HE’S RIPPED HER FACE OFF HE’S RIPPED HER FACE OFF HELP HE’S GONNA KILL HER! 911 Operator: what’s your favourite minecraft block

“Why did the chimp attack? Some say it was a new haircut, others say it was THE FACT THAT THE CHIMP WAS ON XANAX.” Definitely the haircut 🙄

that call is so chilling, I literally have goosebumps

"The chimp has killed my friend" "Whats the problem with your friend??"

"what triggered the attack will forever remain a mystery" *XANAX*

"The reason for the attack will remain a mystery" "The chimp had a tea mixed with xanax" Where's the mystery?? 👀

I think about this story often. Not just chimps but coyotes, rabid dogs, bears, crazy people, etc. You never know what you might face walking out of the safety of your home😳.

“To this day we are not sure why travis attacked” Bro he was pumped with Xanax and wine, and you touched his tickle-me-Elmo, I’d be pretty pissed too

*lady getting her eyes gouged out and face ripped off* 911 dispatch: “Ma’am stop yelling!”

Do a story about Tatiana the Tiger next!! She was bred in captivity at Denver Zoo and was aggressive twice in the final 2 years of her lifetime especially when the SFPD shot her dead on Christmas 2007 when she escaped her enclosure at San Francisco Zoo!!

You havevthe perfect voice for this, makes it more creepier.

They hit puberty just like humans do and that’s when Males become increasingly aggressive, females also, because they want to mate. The fact they were drugging the chimp probably had the same effect as giving the hulk steroids hoping it calms him down.

Keeping a dangerous wild animal is insanely stupid and selfish. It shouldn't take a murder or an attack to realize that.

The only absurd thing for me is allowing people to own wild animals as puppets. You can't tame a late pubescent chimp as you tame a poodle, they're freaking wildlife, not humans thing to play with. And for the stupidity of an ignorant and incapable person Travis had to be shot down. As a person who studied primatology and worked with primates I'm freaked out by the irresponsability of people who keep wild animals as pets, especially -like in this case- when they survived abuse

Never heard of this story before, but wow, that was terrifying

Chimpanzees are honestly the scariest mf animals istg.

could you imagine if xanax had to update their label: "DO NOT give to chimpanzees"

to think I came here because of the Meat Canyon animation

Lady: "Help the chimp killed my friend!" 911 Operator: " What's wrong with your friend. I need to know!" 🤦🏻‍♂️

“pampered pet” He was kept in a cage and drugged for most of his life

"Dress himself, eat dinner at the table" it's not a person its one of the most dangerous animals on the planet. They can literally wage war on other chimp tribes. Buy a dog dude. It doesn't have thumbs.

I remember hearing this story on the news back when it happened. It was shocking

I live in Connecticut I remember this very vividly being all over the news. Can’t help but think this inspired the Gordys home part in the film Nope

*demented chimp noises* “What’s the problem?” “The chimp killed my freind” “What’s the problem with your freind?”

It annoying how they keep asking what happend over and over like, it sounds like she needs help so GET THE ADDRESS AND GO!

It’s the bg music that gets ya, idk why, but it’s always the music in these kinda videos that freaks me out, the story too but it’s always the bg music first…

“Why he attacked is still a mystery” No it isn’t. He was a chimpanzee. Separated from his mother at a young age to live in a house with a family. He was treated as a human not even a pet. He was drugged and given alcohol and was unable to exhibit natural behaviour. A chimpanzee has blurred morals. It’s that simple. It’s not a mystery. It’s a sad story about the abuse of a wild animal and the tragic consequences of that Edit: Oh wow- so many of you guys are upset with me using the term morals when talking about animals. I’d encourage you all to do some research- many social animals have been shown to have their own moral code - they build their morals off of empathy just like we do. Crows are one example- if a crow steals food off of a juvenile, other crows with surround it and think of a way to punish it- even crows have standards lmao. Since you still aren’t happy- another day example with chimps. Between two cages with one chimp housed in each (let’s say chimp A and chimp B) there was a tray with food on, when close enough for chimp A to grab the food, the food would be out of reach for chimp B and vise versa. There was also a rope in chimp As cage which would collapse the tray, making the food fall on the ground so neither of them had access to the food. In the first experiment researchers attached a rope to the tray that connected to the cage for chimp B so they could pull the food over to gain access. Researchers began with giving chimp A the food, chimp B used the rope in their enclosure to pull the food over to themselves. Chimp A began screaming, banging on the cage and ultimately decided to pull the rope, making to food fall to the floor so neither could have it. In another experiment, the rope for chimp B was removed, meaning they were unable to pull the food over. Researchers once again started out giving chimp A the food, but this time the researchers themselves slide the tray of food over to chimp B. This time, not only did chimp A not collapse the food tray, but was also unbothered. Chimp A could establish the difference between chimp B, doing something wrong as well as knowing when they weren’t doing something wrong.

Honestly that face transplant was a really good job. I expected it to look a lot worse.

So the chimp was loaded on Xanax when he decided to eat a human face? Crazy. Another intriguing video as always. 😊

Good choice of music. I can't sleep now

It’s not a mystery why he attacked; male chimps, especially in their younger to middle aged years get very aggressive because at that age they would be leading their own family group, fending off males with fighting and displays of strength. They are highly volatile because they need to be in the wild. Travis was probably deeply traumatised and confused because his instincts were clashing with how he was raised. Imagine living in a way that went against everything you ever felt in your gut. A way that was fundamentally wrong. You’ve never seen another of your kind, just huge hulking creatures that treat you as an oddity. He must have been driven mad.

God the operator on the 911 call pisses me off “THE CHIMP KILLED MY FRIEND!” “What’s wrong with your friend?”

Travis was scheduled for an intervention the next day with Dr. Phil. Guess he didn't make it.

The chimp looks HORRYFIC idk how anyone can find them cute and consider it a good idea to hold it as a pet. Poor Charla... this story gives me chills

I once held a baby chimp..he was about 4 years old. I'll never forget how solid its back was. It was like he was made of wood. I cant imagine being attacked by an adult.

You forgot the most horrifying detail. Charla was very much awake and conscious throughout the attack and after. She has stated she never blacked out until she was in hospital. Imagine being completely awake the entire time- even attempting to communicate with the emergency personnel despite the fact she had lost her jaw and couldn’t speak. They had actually assumed her dead on arrival until they realized she was still moving and trying to speak to them.

I remember years ago hearing about something like this happening down the street from me. My friends and I got attacked by a monkey in Japan, but we were lucky that they're small and the only thing that happened was that one girl tripped. I like animals too, but that's why you go to visit a santurary or zoo to see them. You don't bring them home. There's plenty of domesticated pets.

This is exactly where the saying "series of unfortunate events" comes from... i feel bad for everyone, even the animal in this story.

If a human mother took a human child and raised it like a chimp, we’d expect the human child to end up quite insane; it would not be surprising if the child grew into adult strength and reacted in ways that were “wrong” in both human and chimp societies. The same principle holds true here. Travis was not allowed to be a chimp, form a family unit, and live as his instincts dictated. Instead, he was raised as if he was a human child, when he never could be a human. He was doomed the minute he was taken into their home. I feel sorry for the woman who was attacked, but Travis should have never been there to hurt her.

The lady who got attacked was just there to help out. Poor thing.

Jojo Siwa????

Found this channel a week ago or so, and have been watching religiously. Pretty surprised to see this on here - one of my uncles lives a street or two over from where this happened in north Stamford; I remember hearing about it first cause of the suicide silence song that used the 911 call. I don’t think my uncle or his family knew these people or anything, but it is eerie visiting them knowing what happened like right there

to make this more lighthearted when i was younger i thought that if you had a pet monkey for long enough it would eventually evolve into a human

There needs to be more emphasis on the blame that Sandra has here. After her husband died it became practically impossible to keep the chimp. She didn't have the resources anymore and she was also depressed and lonely so she refused to put him in a sanctuary, somewhere he could actually belong and be well taken care of. Instead she used this animal like a crutch and probably drugged him many more times causing mental and physical harm to him. She made him into a ticking time bomb

I also wonder, why didn't Travis attack Sandra? She is his owner. He probably would've attacked Sandra but he was too busy attacking Charla. He tried to attack a cop but was shot and wounded. Sandra locked herself in her car and said she was worried that he would rip the doors of the car and kill her. So she pleaded with the police to kill him. But I think Travis definitely would've turned on Sandra if he got the chance. Sandra probably never considered that her so-called "son" would turn on her that way.

"to this day, we are not sure why he attacked" *fed him xanax without a proper prescription so the dose was definitely wrong/just the wrong medication for him* really? you're really not sure? Edit: I want to note that I am not at all saying that chimps should be kept as pets or that they should be domesticated, as some of you appear to have taken from my comment

This is why Michael Jackson put bubbles in an animal sanctuary before he got too aggressive. Even he knew that they cant be pets for long.

I worry about women who own dogs that are too big for them to physically control. Imagine having Travis the killer Chimp. Scary!

The chimp in Nope was scarier than the alien, if you ask me. It’s like RU-vid knew I watched that movie because this appeared on my recommended page. I hope the injured lady found peace. I wouldn’t know what to do if that were me.

The reason for the attack is not a mystery, they gave him wine and Xanax.

i remember when Travis started creating scenes in public. they all thought it was cute. what MAY have been happening was that Travis was probably reaching that age when it's time to find a mate, testosterone levels rise and they become aggressive. it wasn't fair to keep Travis away from other Chimps. he should have been turned over to a sanctuary. i lay every bit of the blame on the owners. if they had truly loved him then how in the WORLD could they have thought that a life with humans, being the only one of his kind, be fair to him? they were selfish and only thinking of themselves, not Travis.

quite creeped out, yea. my sister was just talking about this chimp yesterday and then this video shows up and i haven’t even searched it up or even talked about it with anyone on my phone. proper weird

I listened to that phone call when I was kid and it traumatized me so much that I have a huge phobia of monkeys, specifically chimps. I just can’t.

This is so extremely sad for her friend. In a matter of minutes, her life completely changed. I cant imagine the psychological effects, let alone all her hopes and dreams that shattered. Heartbreaking

In the attack, the chimp actually ripped off her eyelids. She still had her eyeballs, and had to have them removed after the attack from an infection caused by Travis. The paramedic that tended to her, wouldn't specify how severely damaged her eyes were.

There is a reason why Chimps are called wild animals Sandra.. WILD ANIMALS.. 🤦‍♂️