The docuseries 'Chimp Crazy' captivates audiences and sparks discussions on animal rights.

HBO series directed by 'Tiger King' director sparks emotions among social media users.

The docuseries 'Chimp Crazy' captivates audiences and sparks discussions on animal rights.
The docuseries 'Chimp Crazy' captivates audiences and sparks discussions on animal rights.

The director of "Tiger King" is causing controversy among animal rights activists and viewers of the new documentary "Chimp Crazy," which highlights the use of exotic animals.

"Chimp Crazy," directed by Eric Goode, is a four-part HBO series that showcases real accounts of individuals' deep affection for chimpanzees.

Tonia Haddix, the female protagonist of the series, is a broker of exotic animals who frequently encounters legal issues and opposition from animal rights organizations due to her perceived mistreatment of chimpanzees.

Seven chimpanzees were bred by Haddix for use in films and photo shoots, according to FOX 2.

tonka-tonia-haddix
Haddix claimed Tonka, a chimp who was featured in several films and was in her care, had died. Tonka was eventually found inside her home. (HBO)

Tonka, a chimpanzee who was featured in several films, had a strong bond with one person, Haddix, who claimed that the chimp died after authorities removed some animals from a Missouri home where Haddix was caring for them.

Haddix's basement contained a cage with Tonka, who was discovered by PETA and other animal rights groups, along with federal authorities.

Born Free USA, an animal rights nonprofit, relocated Tonka to a sanctuary in Florida where he could live with other chimpanzees.

Social media users expressed their fascination with the series, with some expressing support for Haddix and others questioning the ethical treatment of the primates.

One Instagram user expressed disbelief that A. anyone can buy a chimpanzee and B. anyone would want one, saying, "I can't believe it."

The lady in the show is obviously insane, but it's reported that there are numerous chimps kept in private homes, and their stories always have a tragic ending. The owners either suffer at the hands of their "pet" or the animal is left to spend the rest of its life in a cage.

tonka-tonia-haddix Chimp Crazy
Haddix had seven chimpanzees at one point. The series, "Chimp Crazy" has become popular among viewers of the popular docuseries. (HBO)

An Instagram user wrote about Haddix, "We know you have a good heart and intentions, Tonia. He looks happy and living free. But he definitely misses you."

"The most disheartening aspect of this program is witnessing the chimps being given fast food at an alarming rate, as if their lives are being destroyed," stated one woman on X.

This docuseries is a must-watch because it sheds light on why people get so close to dangerous animals.

The woman wrote on X: "I never thought this docuseries would make me cry. I've just finished episode 3, and it was incredibly emotional. The people who keep these animals captive are entirely responsible for the trauma and sadness they endure. This makes me so angry."

tonka-tonia-haddix Chimp Crazy
PETA Foundation General Counsel Brittany Peet, who appeared in "Chimp Crazy" and worked on the cases featured in the series, told Planet Chronicle Digital via email that she encourages people to be moved by the series. (HBO)

Tonia is wished the best by one man who said, "I really like her."

The woman said, 'I'm chimp crazy and it's insane. I have two more episodes to go. Should I sleep or finish it?'

The user praised the series, stating that it was not only well-produced but also had a great storyboarding process.

"Chimp Crazy is BANANAS," posted a user on Tiktok.

Chimp crazy documentary on HBO
The series "Chimp Crazy," available to stream now on HBO Max, is the brainchild of the filmmaker who directed "Tiger King." (HBO)

Brittany Peet, the General Counsel of PETA Foundation who was featured in the series and worked on the cases portrayed in it, advised Planet Chronicle Digital via email to be moved by the series.

Peet wrote that Chimp Crazy exposes the dark side of an industry where humans, obsessed with using chimpanzees as props and pets, disregard laws and put others in danger.

PETA offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the seizure of chimpanzees similar to those in the series.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to Haddix for comment.

by Ashley DiMella

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