some background: according to culturacolectiva, the ape woman had two rare medical disorders: hypertrichosis, a condition which causes abnormal hair growth, and gingival hyperplasia, a protruded jaw caused by enlarged gums. due to her appearance, it was difficult for her to aquire and keep a job, so she was forced to work as sort of a circus act, to be "showcased as an oddity" in the US.
my answer: "Francis Buckland, a British natural historian, wrote in an 1868 book that Pastrana had a sweet singing voice, a great taste in music and dancing, spoke three languages, and was also very charitable." so, along with being very brave in the face of societal judgement and ridicule, she was generous and intelligent.
all sourced from culturacolectiva :) i really hope this helps. have a great week <3
