On August 18th, HBO will premiere the highly anticipated docuseries Chimp Crazy, streaming on Max. Produced by Eric Goode, the same mind behind Tiger King, this four-part series delves into the world of primate exploitation and rescue, featuring the remarkable story of Tonka, a chimpanzee whose journey from captivity to freedom is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Tonka’s Life Before Save the Chimps

Tonka, a 38-year-old chimpanzee, once shared the screen alongside stars like Brendan Fraser in George of the Jungle and Alan Cumming in Buddy. Chimpanzees are used in movies only as infants; once they mature at age 6 or 7, they rebel and are often sold to breeders or roadside zoos, where they endure solitary confinement. After his time in entertainment, Tonka was sold to a substandard breeding facility in Missouri, where he faced severe neglect and isolation, sparking a prolonged legal battle between PETA and the facility’s owner, Tonia Haddix.

After a dramatic and heart-wrenching search, Tonka was discovered hidden in a basement cage, where he had been deprived of basic needs and companionship. The rescue, led by PETA with support from actor Alan Cumming, ended with Tonka being transported to Save the Chimps, a sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for chimpanzees.

Tonka’s New Life at Save the Chimps

Since arriving at Save the Chimps in 2022, Tonka has embraced his new life with remarkable enthusiasm and resilience. After a necessary quarantine period for health check-ups, he was introduced to a new chimpanzee family, including newcomers Jacob and Cayleb. The trio quickly formed a close bond, and Tonka was eventually integrated into a larger chimpanzee family known as Doug’s Family.

Now, Tonka lives with 17 other chimps on a spacious 3-acre island home, where he enjoys the freedom to choose between indoor and outdoor spaces. His days are filled with play, relaxation, and bonding with his new family members, including Ursula, Angie the 2nd, Andrea the 2nd, Lil’ Mini, and September. Tonka has made the most of his freedom, delighting in the Florida sunshine and the companionship of his fellow chimps.

What Chimp Crazy Reveals About Tonka’s Journey

HBO’s Chimp Crazy provides a detailed and emotional look at Tonka’s life before and after his rescue. The series captures the dramatic and often harsh realities of primate captivity, shedding light on why primates should never be kept as pets or used for entertainment. While the show is produced with a dramatic flair, it also aims to raise awareness about the welfare of primates and the critical role of sanctuaries like Save the Chimps.

Tonka’s Transformation and Sanctuary Life

Today, Tonka is thriving in his sanctuary environment. His favorite activities include basking in the sunshine, enjoying fresh juice, and cuddling up with fleece blankets. His calm, kind, and curious nature shines through as he engages with his family and explores his expansive home. The transition from a life of confinement to one of freedom and companionship highlights the incredible resilience of chimpanzees and the importance of sanctuary care.

Support and Advocacy

Tonka’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for continued advocacy and support for primates in captivity. By watching Chimp Crazy, supporting legislative efforts like the Captive Primate Safety Act, and donating to Save the Chimps, you can contribute to improving the lives of chimpanzees and other primates.

Join Us in Celebrating Tonka’s New Life

We invite you to join us in celebrating Tonka’s journey and the work of Save the Chimps. To learn more about Tonka, our sanctuary, and how you can make a difference, read our website and follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X. Together, we can ensure that every chimpanzee has the opportunity to live a life of freedom, dignity, and joy.