‘Chimp Crazy’s’ Tonia Haddix gets almost 4 years in prison for lying about chimp’s death

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“Chimp Crazy” star Tonia Haddix on Thursday was sentenced to 46 months in prison.

A 55-year-old individual who deals with exotic animals was found guilty of lying to a federal judge about the death of her pet chimpanzee, Tonka, which she had been keeping secretly in her basement. Known as the “Dolly Parton of chimps,” Haddix admitted to perjury and obstruction of justice in March and was apprehended in July for concealing another ape in her Missouri residence.

As a dedicated movie buff, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that Tonia Haddix is now experiencing the very torment she once subjected animals to by confining them in cages and denying them the freedom they deserve. Brittany Peet, PETA Foundation’s general counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement, expressed this sentiment in a statement.

In her words, “Tonia Haddix is finally tasting the suffering she inflicted on innocent creatures.” And it’s not just about justice being served, but also about ensuring that no other monkeys or apes endure the same fate. That’s why PETA is urging everyone to join them in supporting the Captive Primate Safety Act. This legislation aims to protect these vulnerable animals from falling into the hands of cruel dealers like Haddix and being exploited in the pet trade. So, let’s stand together for the welfare of our animal companions and help make a difference!

Television

With critics questioning the ethical aspects of his latest venture, Eric Goode – famously known as ‘Tiger King’, is once again entangled in a sensational story surrounding exotic animal proprietors.

In 2018, PETA contemplated taking legal steps against Haddix following her acquisition of seven chimpanzees from a closed Missouri Primate Foundation. According to PETA, this was due to her ownership. After a court ruling mandated that she give up all the chimps, Haddix asserted that Tonka, a famous chimp who starred in movies like “George of the Jungle,” “Buddy,” and “Babe: Pig in the City,” had passed away.

In the second episode of the four-part documentary series “Chimp Crazy,” which premiered on HBO in 2024, Haddix emotionally collapsed during a virtual court hearing as she recounted Tonka’s alleged demise. However, immediately after Missouri Senior District Judge Catherine D. Perry ruled in her favor, the chimpanzee was found confined in a compact cage located in Haddix’s basement. This enclosure allowed him to take only a few steps in each direction and denied him access to the outdoors.

Entertainment & Arts

The head of the Florida animal sanctuary where Tonka resides remarks on how remarkably well he seems to be thriving.

Director Eric Goode, known for his association with ‘Tiger King,’ decided to reveal his involvement in the documentary ‘Chimp Crazy’ despite using a stand-in director during filming due to his previous reputation. As a result, he disclosed Tonka’s whereabouts to PETA. On June 5, 2022, Tonka was taken away from Haddix’s care and transferred to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Last year, Dwayne Cunningham, the temporary leader, shared with The Times that he hadn’t experienced feelings of guilt. Instead, he expressed that he had often advised Tonia, “Never say anything to me that you wouldn’t want the entire world to hear.” Unfortunately, as Tonia was known for her chatty nature, she continued to talk. Consequently, Cunningham didn’t feel guilty; rather, he felt he was carrying out his responsibilities. However, he did express sympathy towards a friend because he could tell their love story was becoming chaotic.

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2025-08-08 04:01