Move over Tiger King, there’s a new documentary series taking over our screens and this time the chimpanzee is front and centre.
Almost four years after Eric Goode released Tiger King – a series that quickly became *the* show to watch during the throes of COVID-19 lockdowns – the filmmaker is back with another unbelievable series investigating the unexpected relationship between Woman and Chimp.
What is Chimp Crazy?
Chimp Crazy is a new documentary series that follows nurse-turned-exotic animal broker Tonia Haddix, who refers to herself as the “Dolly Parton of Chimps.”
The series sheds light on Tonia’s daily life as she cares for animals in captivity (she cares for seven captive chimps bred for commercials, photo shoots and movies), and her battles with both authorities and animal rights groups over her love for Tonka, a 32-year-old retired Hollywood chimp who she claims to love more than her own children.
The documentary series takes an unexpected turn when Tonka goes missing and Tonia is faced with a lawsuit brought by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). She responds by placing Tonka and herself at the epicentre of a years-long saga involving her family, authorities, an undercover clown, and actor Alan Cumming, who starred alongside Tonka in the 1997 film Buddy.
Chimp Crazy broaches the secretive world of raising chimpanzees, the issues surrounding private primate ownership, and the folly of imposing human traits onto captive apes who have no agency over where or how they live.
How many episodes are in Chimp Crazy?
Chimp Crazy is a four-part documentary series premiering on Monday, August 19. The episodes are set to be released weekly with the season finale airing on Monday, September 9.
Where to watch Chimp Crazy in Australia
Chimp Crazy premieres on Monday 19 August and is available to stream in Australia on BINGE. The series will also be available to watch on Hubbl, On Demand and on Famous from 8:30 pm.
Stream Chimp Crazy on BINGE from $10/mth, with a 7-day free trial. SUBSCRIBE NOW
