n a case that has drawn national outrage, Tonia Haddix, a Missouri woman featured in the well-know documentary ‘Chimp Crazy,’ has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for a shocking series of lies concerning the fate of a chimpanzee named Tonka, a primate who once starred in Hollywood films such as ‘George of the Jungle’ and ‘Buddy.’
Tonia with chimp Tonka in a cage in the basement of Tonia's home
Haddix, 55, pleaded guilty to perjury and obstruction of justice after repeatedly lying to a U.S. District Court, claiming that Tonka had died and was cremated. In reality, she was hiding the chimp in a cage in the basement of her home, violating a court order to surrender him to a reputable sanctuary. Her deceit was part of a long-running legal battle brought by PETA over the treatment of Tonka and other chimpanzees in her care.
Despite a 2021 court order to surrender Tonka and six other chimpanzees to the Center for Great Apes, Haddix secretly removed Tonka from her property. For nearly a year, she submitted false declarations and provided sworn testimony claiming that Tonka had died, even asserting that she possessed his ashes. These lies delayed Tonka’s rescue until June 2022, when authorities discovered him alive in a cage in her basement and transferred him to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida, where he resides today.
Haddix’s sentencing revealed the extent of her misconduct. Even after pleading guilty, she attempted to hide another chimpanzee in her home, a direct violation of her pretrial release. A court-ordered search on July 9, 2025, led to the discovery and rescue of the second animal. She now remains in jail until she is transferred to federal prison to serve her 46-month sentence.
This case is a critical and painful reminder that wild animals are not pets. No matter how charismatic or seemingly tame they are, exotic animals belong in the wild, or in accredited sanctuaries when their release into the wild is no longer viable. When people keep wild animals in domestic settings, they not only endanger the animals’ welfare but also risk public safety and undermine conservation efforts.
Sanctuaries in the U.S. such as Save the Chimps offer specialized, ethical care, with expert staff, large enclosures, and proper enrichment programs. This sanctuary follows strict accreditation standards that prioritize the well-being and dignity of the animals.
Haddix’s sentencing is a stark reminder to those who view primates merely as novelty pets or sources of entertainment. Tonka’s survival showcases the tireless dedication of animal welfare advocates, yet his suffering underscores the dire consequences when personal gain and ego take precedence over the welfare of animals.
In May, the Captive Primate Safety Act (H.R. 8164/S. 4206) was reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), along with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). This bill aims to address the sale and private keeping of primates, while unfortunately exempting institutions such as zoos, exhibitors, universities, and laboratories. Sanctuaries are also an exception to this measure. The bill seeks to prohibit the private ownership of primates.
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