The “Tiger King” director is getting a response from viewers and animal rights groups for his latest documentary series, “Chimp Crazy,” which puts unusual animals back in the spotlight.
“Chimpanzee Crazy” is a four-part series on HBO produced and directed by filmmaker Eric Goode, based on a true story about people's love for chimpanzees.
The series' central character, a woman named Tonia Haddix, is an exotic animal broker who has repeatedly clashed with authorities and animal rights groups who are apparently concerned about her treatment of chimpanzees.
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Haddix kept seven chimpanzees in captivity, training them as talent for film and photo shoots. FOX 2 reported..
Haddix claimed that Tonka, a chimpanzee she cared for and featured in several films, had died. Tonka was eventually found inside Haddix's home. (HBO)
She had a strong attachment to a chimpanzee named Tonka, who appeared in several of the films, but Haddix claimed the chimp died after authorities removed several animals from a home in Missouri where Haddix was caring for him.
PETA and other animal rights groups stepped in along with federal authorities. —They eventually found Tonka in a cage in Haddix's basement.
Tonka was eventually moved to a sanctuary in Florida to live with other chimpanzees, according to animal rights group Born Free USA.
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Viewers have taken to social media to share their enthusiasm for the series, with some supporting Haddix while others questioning the ethical treatment of primates.
“I can't believe anyone can buy a chimpanzee and anyone would want one,” one user wrote on Instagram.
The user added: “The woman on the show is clearly crazy but apparently there are a lot of chimps in private homes and the stories never end well. Either the owners are attacked by their 'pets' or the poor animals end up spending their whole lives in cages.”
Haddix once had seven chimpanzees as pets, and the series “Chimpanzee Crazy” has become popular among viewers of the hit documentary series. (HBO)
“Tonia, I know your heart and intentions are good and he seems happy and free but I definitely miss you,” one Instagram user wrote on Haddix's page.
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“The worst thing about this show is they feed the chimps so much fast food it's like they're killing them,” one woman posted on X.
“I will never understand why anyone would get so close to a dangerous animal. This documentary is a must watch,” another wrote.
“I never thought this documentary series would make me cry. I just finished watching episode 3 and it was absolutely heartbreaking. The people who keep animals in captivity are 100% responsible for the trauma and grief they go through. It makes me so angry,” a woman posted on X.
Brittany Peete, general counsel for the PETA Foundation, who appeared on “Chimp Crazy” and worked on cases featured on the show, told Fox News Digital in an email that she encourages people to be inspired by the show. (HBO)
One man said: “I really love Tonia and I wish her all the best.”
“I started watching Chimp Crazy and it's a mess. There are two episodes left and I'm either going to sleep or watch until the end,” one woman said.
Another user praised the series, saying, “In addition to great subject matter and fascinating archival footage, Chimp Crazy is a perfectly edited documentary. I would love to replicate their storyboarding process.”
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“Chimpanzees are bananas,” one user posted on TikTok.
“Chimp Crazy,” a series currently streaming on HBO Max, is the brainchild of the filmmaker who directed “Tiger King.” (HBO)
Brittany Peete, general counsel for the PETA Foundation, who appeared in the series and worked on cases featured in it, told Fox News Digital in an email that she encourages people to be moved by the series.
“Chimp Crazy “The film peels back the curtain on a shadowy industry where deranged individuals are so intent on using chimpanzees as props and 'pets' that they are willing to defy authorities and endanger those around them,” Pete wrote.
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PETA has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to authorities seizing chimpanzees like the one featured in the show.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Haddix for comment.
