Site last updated: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Chimp's owner now says it wasn't on Xanax

STAMFORD, Conn. — The owner of a 200-pound domesticated chimpanzee that went berserk and mauled a Connecticut woman changed her story on whether she gave the animal the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

Sandra Herold told reporters today she "never, ever" gave the drug to her 14-year-old chimp, Travis. The animal Monday attacked Herold's friend, 55-year-old Charla Nash, leaving her severely injured.

Stamford police said Herold told them she gave Travis Xanax earlier Monday to calm him because he was agitated. And in a national televised interview that aired this morning, she said she gave the chimp some Xanax-laced tea "five minutes" before the attack — she even showed a reporter the mug.

A University of Chicago doctor said the anti-anxiety drug can lead to aggression in people who are unstable to begin with.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS