As chronicled in previous reports, Davis and his wife LaDonna were visiting the Animal Haven Ranch, a sanctuary for retired zoo animals in Caliente, approximately 20 miles south of Bakersfield, to celebrate Moe the chimpanzee's 39th birthday. The Davis' adopted Moe approximately 40 years ago and he quickly became the son they never had.

While the racing couple enjoyed a life time of happiness with Moe, it went bad in 1999 when the chimp allegedly bit off a woman's finger tip during a visit to the Davis home. Part of the settlement of the case included Moe being placed in the animal sanctuary.

The Davis’ continued to make regular visits to see Moe and that's what placed them there on the fateful morning of March 3d when four chimpanzees escaped from their cages and attacked the couple. It was later pointed out that Moe remained in his cage and had nothing to do with the incident. It was also later revealed that a cage door had been left unlocked and that's how the animals got out.

St James Davis sustained massive injuries and was transported to the Loma Linda University Medical Center. After months of being in a doctor induced coma, while undergoing experimental surgeries, Davis was sent home last fall because doctors felt it would be good for his emotional well being to recuperate there. LaDonna Davis was treated for animal bites including the loss of a thumb on her left hand.

However there are a lot of medical procedures left to be performed on Davis according to Nadine Sigman a long time family friend and spokesperson. Sigmund said, last Monday, that Davis will soon be returning to Loma Linda Hospital for another round or experimental plastic surgery. This latest procedure will have the medical team trying to fashion an artificial eye socket and insert a glass eye to replace the one Davis lost during the attack.

While Davis is facing another round of serious surgery, he is keeping a big smile on his face because of recent news regarding Moe the chimpanzee. Moe will be leaving the animal sanctuary for a new home in the San Pedro-Redondo Beach area according to Sigmund who said that a generous benefactor had made arrangements for Moe to move to her home where he will be cared for. Sigmund also noted that the benefactor's name and precise location was not going to be disclosed at this time because of concern that Moe's arrival will create media frenzy. Moe's new home is much closer to the Davis’ West Covina residence and it will be considerably easier for them to visit.

Friends and volunteers have already dismantled Moe's cage, at the Davis home, to prepare it for the move. That move has been facilitated by a shocking lack of compassion and sensitivity coming from the proprietor of the Animal Haven Sanctuary who has made it clear that the Davis’ were not welcome to visit Moe there and also made it clearly known that they wanted Moe removed from the facility by the end of this month.

That move is scheduled for January 14th or, in the case of inclement weather, the 21st and strong arm volunteers, as well as a variety of equipment, are going to be needed due to the heavy steel panels of the cage. Items needed include a generator, air compressor, air and electric powered impact guns, 9/16 deep sockets and wrenches, ratchets, ladders and lumber size 2x6, 2x4 and 2x8. Anyone wishing to help can contact project coordinator Mike McCasland at 909 981 3152.

Sigmund also expressed gratitude to the many who have donated money to help the Davis’ noting that donations have been received from as far away as the state of Ohio. The Davis’ have no medical insurance and the bills have now far exceeded one million dollars. Anyone wishing to make a donation can send it to: Pacific Western Bank, 200 South Vincent Avenue, West Covina, California 91790. Please make sure your check is made out to the LaDonna Davis Fund so the bank will know what account to place it in.

Source: Dave Grayson