Chimp Crazy is an HBO docuseries that explores the dynamic between Tonia Haddix and Tonka, the Hollywood chimpanzee.
Tonka is an animal actor known for his roles in the 1997 films Buddy and George of the Jungle. Eric Goode, known for his documentary Tiger King, produces and directs the series.
In this series, Goode reveals the existence of ‘monkey moms,’ and Tonia Haddix is the perfect study. The crew follows up on her story to create the four-part docuseries.
Who is Tonia Haddix?
Tonia Haddix took over legal ownership of Festus’ Missouri Primate Foundation, formerly known as Chimparty, in 2018 after the owner was discredited for endangering the lives of the chimpanzees.
Afterwards, Tonia became involved in a legal battle with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which wanted Tonka and other chimpanzees in the facility sent to an approved sanctuary.
Haddix lost the case, and the chimpanzees were transferred to the approved facility except Tonka.
She claimed that Tonka died from heart failure and was cremated. Haddix says that her local veterinarian diagnosed the chimpanzee with heart failure.
Lawsuit and Tonka’s Rescue
PETA was unsatisfied with the story and believed the chimpanzee was alive. The court allowed PETA to file another lawsuit against Haddix. They also offered a $10,000 cash reward to anyone with information regarding Tonka.
Later, Tonia confided to one of the crew members that Tonka was in a cage on a 20-acre property in Sunrise Beach near the Lake of the Ozarks.
Information from that recorded call was relayed to PETA as Tonia planned to euthanize Tonka.
Tonka’s health updates after Chimp Crazy
After Tonka was found and transferred to the sanctuary, reports indicated that he did not have heart failure.
He was rather overweight, given that he was fed burgers and other unhealthy foods. He was also barely exercising and could not move due to the limited space in the cage.
The veterinarian also confirmed that the chimpanzee needed some dental work. Based on this assessment, he would likely improve with freedom of movement and better care at the sanctuary.
The case between Tonia Haddix and PETA is ongoing, but we are glad to report that Tonka is doing well and thriving in his new home.