Popular documentary series “Chimp Crazy” draws viewers while sparking debate about animal rights

The director of “Tiger King” is sparking reactions from animal rights groups and viewers of the latest documentary series “Chimp Crazy,” which once again puts exotic animals in the spotlight.

“Chimp Crazy,” produced and directed by filmmaker Eric Goode, is a four-part series streaming on HBO based on true stories about humans’ love for chimpanzees.

The woman at the center of the series, Tonia Haddix, is an exotic animal dealer who often comes into conflict with authorities and animal rights groups who appear concerned about her treatment of chimpanzees.

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Haddix cared for seven chimpanzees and bred them as talent for films and photo shoots, FOX 2 reported.

She had a strong bond with a chimpanzee named Tonka, who appeared in several films. Haddix claimed the chimpanzee died after authorities removed some of the animals from a Missouri home where Haddix was caring for them.

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PETA and other animal rights groups as well as federal authorities intervened —and finally found Tonka in a cage in Haddix’s basement.

Tonka was eventually taken to a sanctuary to live with other chimpanzees. The sanctuary is located in Florida, according to Born Free USA, a nonprofit animal rights organization.

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On social media, viewers shared their enthusiasm for the series. Some showed their support for Haddix, while others questioned the ethical treatment of the primates.

“I can’t believe that A. anyone can buy a chimpanzee and B. everyone wants one,” wrote one user on Instagram.

The user added: “The lady on the show is obviously crazy, but apparently there are a lot of chimpanzees in private homes and the stories never end well. Either the owners are attacked by the ‘pet’ or the poor animal spends the rest of its life in a cage.”

“We know you have a good heart and good intentions Tonia. He looks like he is happy and living freely. But he sure misses you,” one Instagram user wrote on Haddix’s page.

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“The worst part of this show is seeing the chimps being fed all this junk food like… they’re killing them,” one woman posted on X.

Another posted: “I will never understand why someone gets so close to dangerous animals. This documentary series is a must-see.”

“I never thought this docuseries would move me to tears. Just watched episode 3 and it was absolutely heartbreaking. The people who keep these animals captive are 100% responsible for the trauma and sadness they experience. This makes me so angry,” one woman posted on X.

One man said, “I really like Tonia and wish her the best.”

“I started Chimp Crazy and it’s insane. I have two more episodes to watch whether I go to sleep or finish it,” said one woman.

Another user praised the series, saying, “Besides the incredible subject matter and captivating archival footage, Chimp Crazy is an impeccably edited documentary. I want to copy their storyboarding process.”

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“Chimp Crazy is CRAZY,” posted one user on TikTok.

Brittany Peet, general counsel at the PETA Foundation who appeared on the show and worked on the cases it covered, told Fox News Digital via email that she encourages people to be moved by the show.

“Chimpanzee crazy “It lifts the curtain on a shady industry in which crazed people hell-bent on exploiting chimpanzees as props and ‘pets’ are willing to defy the authorities and endanger everyone around them,” Peet wrote.

PETA is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the authorities seizing chimpanzees like those in the series.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Haddix for comment.

Source of the original article: Popular documentary series “Chimp Crazy” draws viewers while sparking debate about animal rights