Where is Tonia Haddix Now? Is Tonka the Chimp Still Alive?

Where is Tonia Haddix Now?

Tonia Haddix, known from the HBO docuseries "Chimp Crazy," now works as an exotic animal broker in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. She previously faced controversy over her care of pet chimps, including Tonka, who starred in movies.

Haddix was involved in a legal battle with PETA, which led to her losing custody of her chimps in 2021 after a judge found she faked Tonka’s death. The chimps were transferred to a sanctuary. Haddix is married to Jerry Aswegan, who owns a mobile petting zoo. She has expressed regret about her past actions and feels misunderstood by the documentary, claiming it was scripted and inaccurate.

(Source: US Magazine)

Is Tonka the Chimp Still Alive?

Yes, Tonka the chimpanzee is still alive. Tonka, who gained fame from films like George of the Jungle and Buddy, faced many challenges after his acting career. For years, he lived in difficult conditions before being involved in a legal dispute over his care. In 2021, there was confusion about his whereabouts when his last caregiver, Tonia Haddix, falsely claimed he had died. However, Tonka was later found alive and moved to Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida.

Now, he lives in a more natural environment with other chimpanzees on Doug Island, part of the sanctuary's 12 island habitats. Tonka has adapted well to his new home, enjoying better living conditions and social interactions with his fellow chimps. His story, highlighted in the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy, is one of recovery and hope.

Who is Tonia Haddix?

Tonia Rene Haddix is from Ozark, Missouri, and now lives in Sunrise Beach, Missouri. She was a registered nurse before becoming an exotic animal broker. Haddix was previously married to Gary Dean Haddix, who passed away in December 2020. In 2021, she wed Jerry Aswegan, who operates a mobile petting zoo.

Haddix has two children, Justin and Erica Range, and is a grandmother. She is known for her strong attachment to exotic animals, especially Tonka the chimpanzee. In the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy, Haddix is depicted as having a deep passion for primates, even claiming to love Tonka more than her own children. She has openly discussed her fascination with exotic animals and frequently shares photos and memes of them, including her sloth, Sydney, on Facebook.

Who is Tonka?

Tonka is a well-known chimpanzee who was once owned by Tonia Haddix. Born on October 5, 1991, Tonka starred in Hollywood movies like George of the Jungle and Buddy in 1997. After retiring from acting, he became a favorite of Haddix, who described him as special and more people-friendly than most chimps.

In 2021, Tonka was moved to Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida, where he lives with other chimps, including Jacob and Cayleb. He enjoys the sunshine and has a calm, kind, and curious personality. Haddix has expressed deep affection for Tonka, claiming she would do anything for him. Despite earlier claims that Tonka had died, he is alive and well at the sanctuary, where he enjoys a better life with other chimpanzees.

How Did Haddix Attempt to Keep Tonka?

Tonia Haddix tried to keep Tonka the chimpanzee despite legal challenges. After PETA sued for better conditions at the Missouri Primate Foundation, Haddix became the owner of the chimps when the previous owner, Casey, transferred them to her in late 2018. To take care of the chimps, Haddix moved into a trailer on the property.

In 2020, PETA and Haddix reached an agreement allowing her to keep Tonka and two other chimps if she improved the facility. When Haddix didn't meet these conditions, a court ordered all the chimps to be moved. Haddix claimed Tonka had died to prevent this, but he was later found alive in her basement in June 2022. Haddix had kept Tonka there with some entertainment and claimed she wanted him to live out his days peacefully.

What Happened After PETA Found Tonka?

Tonka was found by PETA in June 2022, trapped inside a cage in Tonia Haddix's basement. He was in poor condition: he couldn't move much, had no access to sunlight or grass, lacked companionship with other chimps, was overweight, and wasn’t getting proper veterinary care.

Haddix claimed she was protecting Tonka from PETA and insisted he was safe with her. However, PETA complained to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to revoke Haddix and her husband's animal welfare licenses for lying in court. In March 2023, Haddix was ordered to pay about $225,000 in legal fees for falsely claiming Tonka had died.

Haddix admitted to trying to hide Tonka, falsify DNA test results, and even bribe federal marshals. Despite facing legal troubles and possible jail time, Haddix said she was willing to endure anything to keep Tonka safe.