Chimp attack: US student improving
2012-07-01 19:24
Mbombela - Doctors say the condition of the US student attacked at the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden near Mbombela, is improving.
In a statement, Mediclinic Nelspruit said Andrew Oberle, who had been in critical condition since Thursday's attack, was stable enough on Sunday for doctors to bring him into the operating room to clean and stitch his multiple bites and attend to fractures and other injuries sustained during the attack by two chimpanzees.
Oberle remains in intensive care, but is no longer in a critical condition.
It is his second study visit to the sanctuary for abused and orphaned chimpanzees.
100 Wapi reported last week that Oberle, who had been leading a tour, had been standing in a restricted area for which he did not have clearance.
Eugene Cussons was quoted as saying the attack was likely prompted by chimpanzees wanting to mark their territory.
During the tour on Thursday, Oberle left the group and crossed one of two fences separating him from the animals into a "no-go zone," Cussons said.
When Oberle neared the second fence, which was electrified, two alpha male chimpanzees named Nikki and Amadeus reached underneath and pulled him by his feet into their enclosure.
- AP
