A woman who battled for her life following a chimpanzee attack has unveiled her current appearance, 14 years after undergoing a pioneering face transplant.

For those unfamiliar with this notorious tale, Charla Nash, now aged 71, was attacked in 2009 at the Connecticut home of her friend Sandra Herold by Herold's pet chimpanzee, Travis.

The terrifying incident captured widespread attention at the time, as Nash’s face was severely damaged, including the loss of her lips, eyelids, nose, and even her hands.

Herold urgently called the emergency services, frantically screaming that she feared her friend was dead, and informed responders that the crazed animal was uncontrollable and had begun ‘eating’ her.

Charla Nash has revealed how her face transplant saved her life after she was brutally attacked by her friend's chimpanzee back in 2009 (60 Minutes Australia)

Despite being severely disfigured from the attack, Nash miraculously survived and in 2011 underwent a groundbreaking full face transplant, one of only three such procedures at the time, and received glass eyes.

Now, over a decade post-surgery, she has spoken to 60 Minutes Australia about her current life and how the transplant has transformed her existence.

Reflecting on the attack, Nash expressed: “I was amazed that I was still alive."

Her daughter, Brianna, recounted that in the aftermath, she could see 'the bone structure of her cheeks, and while disfigured, it was unmistakably her face.'

Charla also shared with the publication about her survival: “It's a wonderful thing, and words can’t express the gratitude I feel for having this opportunity to lead a better life.”

Nash explained how she is gradually regaining sensation in her face and resides in an assisted living facility where she receives daily rehabilitation and speech therapy.

“I can't yet feel the nose and the upper lip, but slowly, sensation is returning. I can feel my cheek and forehead, so progress is being made.

“I was only able to drink everything through a straw, and my goal is to be able to eat normally again.”

Nash added: "Life is improving; it's coming together slowly, but yes, it's definitely getting better. It's challenging, but it's better.”

The chimpanzee was shot by the police who arrived at the terrifying scene (60 Minutes)

Nash also mentioned her excitement about being 'able to eat some food', particularly pizza and steak.

Before the surgery, she wore a veil for years to conceal her disfigurement.

She emotionally reflected: “It's amazing, the depth of the human spirit. It's not something visible. It's just there, and it's incredibly powerful.”