Chimp attack victim returns home

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- A 62-year-old Los Angeles area man has returned home after nearly a 6-month hospital stay to treat wounds sustained in an attack by two chimpanzees.

The treatment included multiple reconstructive surgeries. St. James Davis also spent weeks in a coma, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

"He's come a long way," said his wife LaDonna. "In reality, when this first happened, I thought this would take longer than six months."

Davis and his wife were attacked March 3 while visiting the couple's pet chimp Moe at an animal haven to celebrate Moe's 39th birthday.

As the two stood with a birthday cake, two other male chimps escaped from their cages and attacked them, the report said.

The animals chewed off most of St. James Davis' face and fingers from both hands, and tore off his foot. He lost his right eye. LaDonna Davis' left thumb was bitten off, the report said.

St. James Davis will continue to undergo rehabilitation treatments and counseling.

The attack has not changed the couple's devotion to Moe, according to the wife. She said her husband also has no ill feelings toward the chimps that attacked him.