Tonia Haddix’s involvement with chimpanzees is showcased in the new docuseries Chimp Crazy, but she believes the documentary is inaccurate and scripted. The first episode features Haddix referring to herself as the “Dolly Parton of chimps” and discussing her relationship with her pet chimp, Tonka, known for its Hollywood roles in movies like George of the Jungle and Buddy. Actor Alan Cumming, who starred alongside Tonka in a film, also appeared in the doc, discussing the attraction people feel towards chimps and the challenges of owning wild animals.
Controversy arose when PETA attempted to rescue Tonka and sued the Missouri Primate Foundation, where Haddix kept her chimps, over their living conditions. Haddix was named in the lawsuit for her involvement with the organization. Despite reaching an agreement with PETA in 2020 to upgrade the facility and keep ownership of the chimps, she did not meet the conditions and was held in contempt of court. All seven chimps were ordered to be transferred out of her care, leading Haddix to falsely claim in 2021 that Tonka had died to avoid handing it over to PETA. Subsequently, she was ordered to pay legal fees for faking Tonka’s death, and all the chimps were moved to sanctuaries in Florida and other states.
After the documentary was released, Haddix expressed feeling misunderstood and regret for her actions, stating that she was desperate and didn’t know what to do at the time. She contested a chimp attack shown in the doc, claiming it was scripted and that she has never been injured by a chimpanzee. Additionally, she mentioned feeling deceived by the documentarians who sought drama for the series and orchestrated a dramatic ending that led U.S. Marshals to her home where Tonka was found alive in her basement. Haddix now works as an exotic animal broker and lives with her husband in Missouri, where they run a mobile petting zoo.
Chimp Crazy is currently available for streaming on Max, featuring Haddix’s story with chimps and the controversies surrounding her ownership of the animals. The documentary captures Haddix’s passion for these creatures and the challenges she faced as an owner. Despite the drama and legal battles, Haddix remains devoted to her cause and continues to work with exotic animals in Missouri. The series sheds light on the complexities of owning wild animals, the relationships forged with them, and the ethical considerations involved in their care and conservation.
Overall, Tonia Haddix’s journey with chimpanzees, as depicted in Chimp Crazy, showcases the highs and lows of owning exotic animals and the legal disputes that can arise. Despite feeling misrepresented by the documentary, Haddix continues to advocate for animal welfare and works in the industry as an exotic animal broker. The story of Tonka and the other chimps under her care highlights the challenges faced by individuals who own wild animals and the importance of providing proper living conditions for these creatures. Chimp Crazy serves as a cautionary tale while also shedding light on the bond between humans and the animal kingdom.
