Eric Goode, the creator behind the hit series Tiger King, has returned with another eccentric story of an exotic animal owner. This time, Goode turns his attention to Tonia Haddix, a woman who is deeply attached to her chimpanzees, particularly a chimp named Tonka.
His new series Chimp Crazy, now streaming on Max, follows Haddix’s legal struggles as she tries to keep PETA from taking away her beloved primates.
The show sheds light on Haddix’s fierce battle to retain ownership of Tonka, a chimpanzee she loves like a child. PETA sued the Missouri Primate Foundation, where Haddix kept her chimps, over poor conditions, and Haddix became central to the case.
What Is ‘Chimp Crazy’ About?
Chimp Crazy documents the story of Tonia Haddix and her intense connection with her chimpanzees and other exotic animals. The series showcases her efforts to avoid legal action from animal rights organizations like PETA.
Haddix took over the Missouri Primate Foundation, also known as Chimparty, from another chimp owner named Connie Casey in the late 2010s. The foundation, which was supposed to be a sanctuary for these animals, came under scrutiny when PETA sued over allegations of mistreatment and inadequate living conditions for the chimps.
The heart of Chimp Crazy lies in Haddix’s bond with Tonka, one of the chimps at the center of her legal battles. Goode’s documentary shows this relationship in great depth, showing how far Haddix is willing to go to keep Tonka.
Throughout the series, Goode goes into Haddix’s life, focusing on how she became involved in the exotic animal world and how her connection with the chimps developed.
Haddix, who is often compared to Dolly Parton due to her flamboyant style, with her large blonde hair and bold appearance, explains her deep attachment to these animals, particularly Tonka.
Her dedication to Tonka is so intense that Haddix has stated she loves him more than her own children. She has vowed to do whatever it takes to protect Tonka, refusing to let anyone, especially PETA, take him from her care.
Why Is Tonka So Special to Tonia Haddix?
Tonka is not just any chimpanzee; he has a unique background that sets him apart. He has appeared in several Hollywood movies, most notably George of the Jungle with Brendan Fraser and Buddy, starring Alan Cumming.
These appearances have made Tonka a recognizable figure, but his bond with Haddix is what makes him truly special in her eyes.
Haddix claims they share a connection that goes beyond a typical owner-animal relationship. In an interview with Australian radio’s Carrie and Tommy Show on August 29, 2023, she said, “Tonka and I just found each other… It was meant to be. It was just natural. And Tonka loved me as much as I loved Tonka.”
In 2020, Haddix and PETA reached a legal agreement that allowed her to keep Tonka and other chimps under her care, provided she made significant upgrades to the Missouri Primate Foundation.
However, when she failed to meet these requirements, a judge ordered that all the chimps, including Tonka, be moved to the Center for Great Apes in Florida. This facility, known for providing excellent care for primates, would offer a much better environment for Tonka and the other chimps.
Despite the court order, Haddix refused to surrender Tonka, claiming that he was suffering from congestive heart failure and that moving him would only worsen his condition. This defiance put her in direct conflict with the authorities and PETA, but Haddix remained steadfast in her belief that she was acting in Tonka’s best interest.
Where Is Tonia Haddix Now?
As of 2024, Tonia Haddix has managed to avoid jail time and continues to live near the Ozarks in Missouri with her husband, Jerry Aswegan. Together, they run a mobile petting zoo called Sunrise Beach Safari, located near the Lake of the Ozarks.
Haddix is still actively involved in the exotic animal trade, working as a broker for exotic animals. She has two grown children, Justin and Erica. Her son Justin appears in Chimp Crazy’s third episode, titled “Head Shot,” where he discusses his mother’s obsession with chimpanzees, especially Tonka.
Haddix has repeatedly claimed that Eric Goode, along with the documentary crew behind Chimp Crazy, tipped off the U.S. Marshals, leading to a raid on her Missouri home.
During the raid, authorities found Tonka hidden in a small enclosure in her basement, despite Haddix previously telling PETA and others that Tonka had passed away due to heart failure in 2020.
She had even gone as far as to provide what she claimed were Tonka’s ashes to support her story. However, the documentary reveals that Tonka was very much alive and had been kept secretly in her home.
In Episode 3, Haddix continues to insist that Tonka’s heart condition makes it unsafe for him to be moved. She claims that the 14-hour sedation process required to transport Tonka to the Florida sanctuary would be too much for him to handle.
However, veterinary records later confirmed that Tonka was not suffering from heart failure and was, in fact, healthy. Tonka was eventually moved to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida in June 2022, where he now lives.
Today, Tonka is alive and thriving, and the legal battle surrounding him has brought significant attention to the exotic animal industry and the lengths some people will go to keep their beloved animals.
Chimp Crazy offers viewers an in-depth look at Tonia Haddix’s life and her ongoing fight to keep her cherished chimpanzees, particularly Tonka, despite the legal and ethical challenges she faces.
Chimp Crazy is currently available to stream on Max.
