Travis the Chimp’s Surprise Appearance at Siegfried and Roy Reunion Ends Tragically

sigfried_roy240LAS VEGAS – The surprise appearance by Travis the Chimp at the reunion of iconic illusionists Siegfried and Roy at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on Saturday night ended tragically when the 200-pound primate lunged at Roy Horn and badly mauled him.

Travis is also a primate of interest in an attack last month involving a Connecticut woman who was also badly mauled. 

Travis’ appearance at the reunion was arranged by Siegfriend Fischbacher as a surprise for his longtime partner Roy Horn.  Mr. Horn suffered permanent injuries when he was badly mauled in a tiger attack during a Siegfried and Roy performance in 2003 that ended the duo’s career.  They had not appeared on stage since the tiger attack more than five years ago until Saturday night.

“I asked Travis to join us at the reunion because Roy loves being around engaging male animals,” said Mr. Fischbacher.  “But when Travis lunged at Roy, my life literally flashed before my eyes, which made me kind of horny.  Then I gasped and said, ‘Oh, no!  Here we go again!’  Perhaps it was a mistake to put Travis in that situation.”

Travis’ attorney Mark J. Geragos said the truth is “much different” than it is being portrayed by the news media.  “The media has rushed to judgment and has convicted Travis in the court of last resort, the court of public opinion, before even a scrap of evidence has been introduced at trial.  When the truth comes out, Travis will be exonerated.”

Mar 2