Woman mauled in chimp attack improving

HARTFORD, Conn. - Doctors say a Connecticut woman who was nearly killed by a chimpanzee in Stamford is improving, but faces two years of surgical procedures.

Charla Nash is at the Cleveland Clinic and is listed in critical, but stable condition. She lost her hands, nose, lips and eyelids in the Feb. 16 attack in Stamford.

Doctors at the clinic say she has made significant neurological and psychological improvement and is awake and able to communicate with her family and caregivers.

Family members are talking to doctors about reconstructive surgery and doctors say initial surgery will be focused on her facial injuries.

The clinic says damage to the 55-year-old woman’s eyes has left her blind for life.