Deputies: Chimp mauls Fla. sanctuary volunteer, injuries serious but not life-threatening

Authorities: Chimp attacks volunteer near Tampa

PALM HARBOR, Fla. — Deputies say a chimpanzee has mauled and seriously injured a volunteer at a Florida primate sanctuary.

Sheriff’s deputies said 21-year-old Andrea Maturan was attacked while cleaning a cage Friday morning at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary near Tampa. Her injuries were serious but not life-threatening.

The sheriff’s office says Maturan struggled with the 10-year-old chimp named Shawn and locked herself in a bathroom to get away. Handlers were able to get Shawn and another loose chimp back in their cages.

State wildlife officials are investigating.

The sheriff’s office reported the name of the facility as the Chimp Farm, but its Web site says the name is now Suncoast Primate Sanctuary.

A year ago, a Connecticut woman was blinded and mauled when her friend’s chimp went berserk.