() Tonia Haddix, the legally troubled star of the HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy,” accepts responsibility after being accused of hiding apes in her home in violation of federal court orders, her attorney told “Banfield” on Friday as the jailed woman awaits an August sentencing hearing.
In March, Haddix pleaded guilty to three felonies after she falsely reported the death of a chimpanzee that was found to be living in her Missouri home. A judge ruled Haddix could stay out of jail before her sentencing provided she did not keep any more chimps.
On July 9, however, authorities found another secret chimpanzee being kept in a cage in her basement, and Haddix was taken into custody.
One of her attorneys, Justin Gelfand, said the 55-year-old former nurse suffered abuse as a child and an adult and had a strong connection with chimpanzees, much like regular pet owners have with their dogs or cats.
“To be clear, that’s not an excuse, but it is an explanation, and it provides context, and that’s what federal sentencing is all about,” Gelfand told host Brian Entin.
He stressed Haddix has not been charged with harming animals.
‘Chimp Crazy’ star sued by PETA
The former exotic animal broker’s downfall began with a lawsuit filed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and a subsequent consent decree that Haddix allegedly violated. A federal court in 2021 ordered the removal of all chimps from her property. Six were taken.
Haddix lied about the fate of a seventh ape, Tonka, saying the chimp had died. Tonka, found living in a basement cage, was relocated to a chimp sanctuary in Florida.
Haddix and her husband were also ordered to pay $225,000 to reimburse PETA for legal fees, but according to the animal-rights organization, that money has not been paid.
“Unlike the chimpanzees she deprived of a real life, exercise, and fresh air, Haddix had a choice in whether she ended up behind bars, and PETA trusts that her willful deceit will be taken into account at her sentencing next month,” a PETA official said in a prepared statement.
