Tonia Haddix, a former nurse from Missouri, has become a controversial figure in the world of exotic animal husbandry, particularly because of her deep affection for chimpanzees. Her story is now the subject of the 2024 HBO documentary Chimpanzee crazy, explores her tumultuous journey as an exotic animal owner, focusing heavily on her relationship with a Hollywood chimpanzee named Tonka.

Haddix, who has had various exotic animals, is best known for her role as caretaker of seven chimpanzees she took over from the Missouri Primate Foundation in the late 2010s. Among those chimpanzees was Tonka, a retired actor famous for his roles in the 1997 films Buddy And George of the JungleBecause of her close bond with Tonka, Haddix became involved in legal disputes with the animal rights organization PETA and had run-ins with the police.

In order to keep Tonka, Haddix even went so far as to falsely claim his death in 2021, leading to a complex legal drama. Despite their efforts to hide Tonka, PETA eventually discovered the chimpanzee in Haddix’s basement in 2022. The case ended with Haddix being ordered to pay significant legal fees and Tonka being transferred to a sanctuary in Florida, where he now lives under professional care.

Haddix’ story, presented in Chimpanzee crazyshows the intense emotional bond she developed with her primates, especially Tonka, and the lengths she was willing to go to keep him by her side. Despite the legal consequences and public criticism, Haddix continues to care for them near her home in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

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