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One of the hottest docuseries of the summer was HBO's Chimp Crazy, which follows the story of a proclaimed "sanctuary" of chimpanzees that winds up under investigation for the poor treatment of its animals. At the center of the reality series is a woman named Tonia Haddix, who considers herself the "Dolly Parton of chimps" and has dedicated her life to the exotic animals.

The docuseries is produced by the same team behind Tiger King, which took audiences by storm when it came out in March of 2020 (coincidentally in the very first month of lockdown). This time around, producers are looking to expose the alleged animal abuse surrounding the chimp sanctuary, and fans have noticed a surprise appearance on the show in the form of The Traitors' Alan Cumming.

Via: ABC Alan Has A Connection To A Particular Chimp On The Show

Given Alan's past experience, one might expect him...

Charla Nash is one of the victims outlined in the 2024 HBO (and Max) docuseries Chimp Crazy. 

The scathing four-part look behind the curtain at exotic pet ownership shocked fans. It centers on Tonia Haddix, an animal broker from Missouri, whose love for chimpanzees draws the ire and watchful eye of animal rights groups like PETA. 

Another name mentioned in the show is Charla Nash, a victim of a chimpanzee attack whose story broke headlines in 2009; she was nearly beaten to death by a chimp who had been living in captivity as her friend's pet.

Read full article on The Direct.

Tonia Haddix says she never wanted the limelight.

Small monkeys screech in the background as the exotic animal broker tells Rolling Stone that she’s frustrated by the whole media circus that has descended upon her life after being the “unwitting” star of HBO’s latest docuseries Chimp Crazy.

“I don’t want this crap, I just want to be normal,” Haddix says. When reminded that most wouldn’t consider running a small petting zoo, bottle-feeding capuchin monkeys and housing baby wallabies and a host of other animals typical, Haddix laughs.

On Sunday September 8 2024, HBO broadcasts Chimp Crazy!

Fantasy Island Season 1 Episode 4 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode titled “Fantasy Island” of “Chimp Crazy,” airing on HBO, viewers will dive into the emotional journey of Tonia as she grapples with the challenges of letting go of Tonka. This episode promises to explore the deep bond between humans and chimpanzees, highlighting the unique connections that form in these special relationships.

As Tonka’s fate becomes clearer, Tonia’s struggle is brought to the forefront. Her dreams of opening her own island sanctuary where she can live among chimpanzees take center stage, offering a glimpse into her aspirations and the love she has for these incredible animals. This episode captures the delicate balance between caring for wildlife and the difficult decisions that often accompany such responsibilities.

“Chimp Crazy” continues to shed light on the realities of working with chimpanzees and the emotional toll...

The woman at the center of HBO’s docuseries Chimp Crazy is still on the hook for nearly $240,000 after she faked the death of her pet chimpanzee Tonka, as PETA is urging a judge to consider bringing perjury charges against her.

Tonia Haddix could face up to five years in prison — possibly more if she’s charged and convicted on obstruction charges — after Tonka was discovered living in her basement in June 2022 and a documentary crew caught the entire bananas saga on camera.

“To be honest with you, I didn’t know that was transpiring,...

[This story contains spoilers from the third episode of Chimp Crazy, “Head Shot.”]

Tiger King documentarian Eric Goode’s intense, sordid follow-up Chimp Crazy has been unfolding on HBO over the past couple of weeks. It centers on the fraught dynamic between exotic animal broker Tonia Haddix, the retired Hollywood chimp Tonka she claims to love more than her own children, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the activist group that has pursued a lengthy legal effort to have the primate sent to an approved sanctuary.

In the penultimate episode, which aired Sept. 1, viewers learned that Haddix, who’d previously claimed Tonka had died (she’d provided evidence that he’d been cremated), was keeping her “humanzee” hidden in her Missouri basement. “Do we turn her in?” Goode wonders, on camera, “Or do we continue following the story?”

Haddix appears increasingly anxious as the chimp-hunt heats up. Actor Alan Cumming, an animal rights activist who starred...

On Sunday September 1 2024, HBO broadcasts Chimp Crazy!

Head Shot Season 1 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Chimp Crazy,” titled “Head Shot,” promises to be an intense and thought-provoking installment. This episode features actor Alan Cumming, who shares a unique bond with Tonka, a chimp that has captured the hearts of many. Cumming adds a significant ,000 to the reward for information about Tonka’s whereabouts, raising the stakes for everyone involved.

As the film crew continues their journey, they find themselves facing an ethical dilemma. The situation becomes even more complicated as they draw parallels to a previous PETA case that ended dangerously in Oregon. This connection forces the crew to reflect on their responsibilities and the potential consequences of their actions. The tension builds as they must navigate the challenges of their mission while considering the impact on animal welfare.

“Head Shot” is set to explore deeper themes of loyalty,...

On Sunday August 25 2024, HBO broadcasts Chimp Crazy!

Gone Ape Season 1 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Chimp Crazy,” titled “Gone Ape,” promises to be an intense and gripping installment in the series. Set to air on HBO, this episode dives into a serious situation involving Tonka, a former Hollywood chimp who has mysteriously gone missing. The stakes are high as PETA steps in to launch an investigation, raising questions about animal rights and the treatment of these intelligent creatures.

As the story unfolds, the episode explores the legal complexities surrounding Tonka’s disappearance. The situation is made even more complicated by a past incident involving another chimp that resulted in a brutal attack on a woman in Connecticut. This history adds tension to the legal battle, with many people concerned about the safety of both humans and animals.

Viewers can expect a mix of drama and suspense as the...

HBO's new Chimp Crazy series is officially out as fans look ahead to its schedule for future episodes' release dates.

Chimp Crazy centers around former nurse Tonia Haddix who changed careers and became an exotic animal broker with a particular love for chimpanzees.

This puts her in some serious hot water with animal rights groups as the series highlights her bond with these animals and the risks people take by keeping them as domesticated pets.

Read full article on The Direct.

The filmmakers behind Netflix’s pandemic sensation “Tiger King” have returned to tell another story of domesticated animals. This time, Tonia Haddix and her 32-year-old former Hollywood chimp Tonka lead Eric Goode’s docuseries, “Chimp Crazy.”

As seen in the HBO docuseries, Haddix’s love for animals may have stretched too far. After entering into the shady market of wild animal pets, animal rights groups like PETA caught wind of her handlings and the self-proclaimed “Dolly Parton of chimps” found herself in a sticky legal battle.

While similar to “Tiger King” in themes of illegal animal ownership by quirky leading characters, Goode pivots from the leering gaze at its subjects to one of productivity. Tonka’s former “Buddy” costar Alan Cumming is heavily featured in the docuseries, often intervening as a middleman between animal rights groups and owners like Haddix.

The four-part series from Goode will reveal the implications of private primate ownership,...

A new documentary series examines the complex issue of keeping chimpanzees as pets. The four-part HBO series “Chimp Crazy” exposes the practice of keeping these endangered wild animals and highlights both the dangers it presents as well as the psychological factors that drive some owners.

The series focuses on Tonia Haddix, whose life revolves around caring for her 32-year-old chimpanzee named Tonka. Tonka was once featured in Hollywood movies but now lives in a cage at Haddix’s home. Though Haddix says she loves Tonka and sees him as a son, she has faced criticism for feeding him unhealthy human food and keeping him in cramped conditions. Animal rights activists argue this is inappropriate for a chimpanzee and have sued to remove Tonka and place him in a sanctuary.

While Haddix believes she provides the best care for Tonka, the documentary raises questions about keeping intelligent wild animals as pets.

During the early days of lockdown, as the world adjusted to a new normal, millions became enthralled by “Tiger King”, Netflix’s stranger-than-fiction docuseries about big cat loving oddballs and the surreal dramas they found themselves embroiled in. It was the first mega-hit of Covid-era entertainment, and almost immediately inspired legions of discourse pertaining to its questionable ethics and leering gaze towards its eccentric ensemble. The questions the series raised about journalistic responsibility have clearly weighed on the mind of “Tiger King” director Eric Goode, and with his latest dive into the world of humans who own rare animals, HBO’s “Chimp Crazy”, he seems keen to learn from the mistakes of the past.

It’s not hard to see what drew Goode to this story. From the moment we’re introduced to Tonia Haddix, the woman at the center of the narrative, it’s clear that she had the...

The creators of “Tiger King” are back with a wild new docuseries. This time, filmmaker Eric Goode focuses on a different species in the animal kingdom. “Chimp Crazy” follows Tonia Haddix, who cares for chimpanzees in captivity. You can watch the first episode of “Chimp Crazy” on Max on Sunday, Aug. 18 with a Subscription to Max.

How to Watch ‘Chimp Crazy’ When: Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024 Where: Max Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Max. About ‘Chimp Crazy’

“Chimp Crazy” dives into the wild and true story of Tonia Haddix, an exotic animal broker. Her story begins with her caring for seven chimps at the Missouri Primate Foundation. She is at risk of losing custody of her chimps, who she refers to as her children. Her story is told through four episodes and features many twists and turns. Animal rights activists get involved after a Hollywood chimp goes missing, which sends criticism Haddix’s way.

On Sunday August 18 2024, HBO broadcasts Chimp Crazy!

Monkey Love Season 1 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Chimp Crazy,” titled “Monkey Love,” promises to be an emotional journey filled with heartwarming moments and tough decisions. The episode focuses on Tonia Haddix, a former nurse who has transitioned into the world of exotic animal brokering. Now, she finds herself in a battle to keep custody of her beloved chimpanzees at the Missouri Primate Foundation. With seven chimps depending on her, Tonia’s dedication and love for these animals will be put to the test.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will meet other chimp mothers who share their unique experiences. One of the standout stories features a mother chimp who raised her baby alongside her own daughter. This touching dynamic highlights the strong bonds that exist not only between humans and chimps but also among the chimps themselves. The connections formed in...

Have you ever wanted to adopt a chimpanzee as a pet? Did you know some Americans actually do keep chimps at home? HBO’s new docuseries Chimp Crazy takes viewers into this unusual world through the story of Tonia Haddix.

Tonia runs a chimpanzee sanctuary in Missouri, where she cares deeply for the primates in her care. She sees them more as family than as animals. But her exceptionally close bond with a former movie star chimp named Tonka raises questions about proper treatment and living conditions. That’s when the animal rights group PETA gets involved, and a battle ensues.

Directed by Eric Goode, the same filmmaker behind the wildly popular Netflix show Tiger King, Chimp Crazy aims to explore the issues around private chimp ownership. It follows Tonia’s unusual lifestyle and her legal fight against PETA over the fate of her chimpanzees. Along the way, we meet...

The documentary series Chimp Crazy premieres on HBO with its first episode, ‘Monkey Love’. The episode introduces viewers to Tonia Haddix, a former nurse who now works as an exotic animal broker and refers to herself as the “Dolly Parton of chimps.” Tonia fights to retain custody of her “kids”—seven chimpanzees at the Missouri Primate […]

Chimp Crazy: Monkey Love...

Honestly, your guess is as good as mine why this summer has been so littered with monkeys and apes, going back to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in May, stretching through the second season of Hulu’s Hit-Monkey and into the August rush of Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey, Netflix’s Secret Lives of Orangutans and now HBO’s Chimp Crazy.

Is there a sense that we’re on the brink of postapocalyptic decay and we’re prepping for new simian overlords? Did the protracted anxiety of last summer’s dual entertainment industry strikes leave creatives feeling generally dehumanized? Or is it less specific and more general? Are monkeys just too cute for words and do we just want to get squishy with their adorable little almost-human faces and dress them up in cute outfits and take them out to the grocery store in strollers and make one...

Beat the summer heat with the latest additions at Max! This August, truth is stranger than fiction, and HBO will premiere multiple documentary series and films, including the four-part Original “Chimp Crazy,” a new installment of the Emmy-winning “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears,” and the streaming premiere of the recent Cannes and Tribeca entrant “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes.”

The rest of the month at Max includes the Season 3 premiere of the HBO/BBC One finance industry drama “Industry,” returning after a two-year hiatus, and the surprise “City of God” follow-up series “City of God: The Fight Rages On.” All of the new titles, from new series premieres to classic films joining the library, as well as any new games and matches available this month on Bleacher Report, will be available on either an ad-supported Max plan beginning at $9.99 per month or an ad-free plan beginning at $16.99 per month.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the movies, TV shows, and live sports that will be available on the Max streaming service in August. The Max August 2024 lineup includes season three of the HBO Original Industry and the HBO Original City of God: The Fight Rages On.

The August schedule also includes the sports documentary series Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears and the documentaries Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes and Chimp Crazy. A curated list of horror films and series is also available.

Featured Programming

Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes (HBO Original Documentary)

Debuts August 3 at 8 p.m. Et

Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes allows Elizabeth Taylor’s own voice to narrate her story, inviting audiences to rediscover not just a megastar of Hollywood’s Golden Age but a complex woman who navigated lifelong fame, personal identity, and public scrutiny on a global stage from early childhood.

Binge has released a first look at the upcoming four-part documentary series “Chimp Crazy,” produced and directed by filmmaker Eric Goode of “Tiger King” fame. The series offers an insight into the world of chimpanzee ownership and the relationships that develop. The story centres on Tonia Haddix, a former nurse turned exotic animal broker, who […]

Chimp Crazy: Binge Releases First Look at New Doco Series from the director of “Tiger King”...

There is a new documentary coming from the director of Tiger King. As with the earlier Netflix movie, Chimp Crazy sees filmmaker Eric Goode once again reportedly lie and deceive people to get a shocking documentary feature out of it. This time, it is about a woman named Tonia Haddix, who owned a chimp named Tonka.

Here is what you need to know about the woman nicknamed the “Dolly Parton of chimps.”

Tiger King Director Brings Max Chimp Crazy

Eric Goode was one of the Tiger King directors and the person that Carole Baskin accused of deceiving her for the purpose of that documentary. While Goode said she knew it was more than just a documentary about Tiger King, she claims he made her think that was all it was about.

Chimp Crazy trailer | YouTube

Now, Goode is back with another documentary about someone else keeping an exotic animal as a pet.