While those details are true, the student had crossed a safety barrier (for reasons unknown)and was in an area that was off limits because the chimps could possibly reach a human there. I'm not saying that he deserved to be dragged into the enclosure or to have his life almost taken from him, but safety zones are there for a reason, and no one should have crossed them. He was doing a guided tour at the time, and from reports, there was no reason for him to have crossed that barrier. I hope that he has recovered from this awful incident, and that it should be a reminder to all, that no matter how close you think you are to a wild animal, or how well you think you know the animal, they are still wild animals that have natural instincts for survival, mating, and territory among others, and they will act accordingly.
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Arimas01
11 years ago
I read that Cozi is known for throwing huge rocks at visitors and had hit one female in the head causing significant damage. The student who also worked at the sanctuary had seen a rock that was wedged underneath the fence and in full view of the chimps. When he went to remove the rock he was then somehow pulled threw the fence and attacked. Although I think that he made a very foolish mistake, I don't think he believed that he was putting himself in any danger and assumed that he was protected by the fence.
Don't Worry Be Happy.
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Bkasday-531-494565
11 years ago
I had read that also. Cozi has issues of his own that's why he was put into the infant enclosure. If you watch any of the shows featuring Cozi, he likes to throw things when he displays. Oranges, rocks, sticks, seems like anything he can find.
I hadn't heard that the student tried to get a rock, but that he had stepped on a rock or branch that caused the chimps to feel like their territory was being threatened. Not being there myself, I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I'm sure it was horrific and terrifying for all involved.
People often mistake some wild animals to be not as dangerous simply because they are in a zoo or a sanctuary. (I am in no way saying that's what happened in the students case at all) They are still dangerous no matter where they are encountered and should be respected. I was once in Yellowstone National Park, and watched a father put his 4 yr old daughter on the back of a Bison like it was a photo shoot, and he didn't understand why people were getting upset. He also didn't think the park ranger should have made him take her down and back away. All I could do was shake my head.
I hope the student is well on his way to a full and complete recovery. I was so glad to hear that he doesn't blame the chimps and that he still has a passion for animals.
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