PETA asks to revoke Tonia Haddix’s license after ‘Chimp Crazy’

ST. LOUIS — PETA is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revoke the Animal Welfare Act license of Tonia Haddix, a controversial wild-animal broker featured in the recent HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy.” The animal rights organization sent a letter to the USDA on September 12, 2024, urging immediate action.

Haddix, who operates a roadside zoo in Camden County, Missouri, gained notoriety for her involvement in a legal battle over the care of chimpanzees, particularly one named Tonka. The case, highlighted in “Chimp Crazy,” revealed that Haddix had falsely claimed Tonka’s death while keeping him caged in her basement.

PETA argues that Haddix’s actions, including committing perjury in federal court and violating court orders, demonstrate her disregard for animal welfare and the law. Despite these incidents, Haddix still holds a valid USDA license allowing her to sell wild animals legally.

The organization previously provided evidence to the USDA of Haddix’s perjury and animal mistreatment, but claims the agency has yet to take action. PETA contends that the USDA’s inaction may embolden other bad actors in the exotic animal trade.

The “Chimp Crazy” docuseries, which began airing on August 18, 2024, explores Haddix’s complicated history with exotic animal ownership and the broader issues surrounding private ownership of such animals. It builds on earlier reporting by FOX 2’s Chris Hayes , which detailed Haddix’s legal battles and her defiance of a 2020 consent decree regarding the care of seven chimpanzees.

In 2023, a federal court ordered Haddix to pay over $220,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs to PETA, concluding a lawsuit related to the Tonka incident. Despite this ruling, Haddix has maintained her stance, stating she would do anything to protect Tonka from what she calls “the evil clutches of PETA.”

PETA’s Letter to the USDA:

September 12, 2024

Sarah Helming

Deputy Administrator, Animal Care

USDA-APHIS-Animal Care

Dear Ms. Helming:

I am writing on behalf of PETA to urge the USDA without further delay to revoke Tonia Haddix’s federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license (license no. 43-B-3839). I am shocked that Ms. Haddix is still able to legally sell wild and “exotic” animals and even operate a roadside zoo because she still has an AWA license from your agency.

If you have seen the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy , you will know that I was involved in the campaign that ultimately secured the freedom of a chimpanzee named Tonka. You will also know that Ms. Haddix committed perjury and lied under oath during a Zoom hearing, stating that Tonka had died, when he was actually alive in a cramped cage in her basement, isolated from any other members of his species, denied expert veterinary care, and without the ability to appropriately exercise or even feel the sunlight on his skin.

It has now been more than two and a half years since Haddix lied under oath in that court hearing and more than two years since PETA rescued Tonka from impending death in Haddix’s dismal basement. I am dismayed and disheartened to learn that the USDA has done nothing to ensure that Haddix cannot hurt more animals. She has shown through her actions and her own statements on Chimp Crazy that she has no regard for the law or for animal welfare. Surely, such a person has no business holding an AWA license.

A national audience has now seen the extent of Haddix’s wildly cruel behavior. By continuing to allow her to peddle vulnerable wild animals to the highest bidder and operate her roadside zoo, the USDA is showing other AWA licensees and the American public that the agency that has been charged by Congress with ensuring the humane treatment of animals like Tonka will ignore even the worst of the worst behavior, which will only embolden the many bad faith actors already under the USDA’s jurisdiction. Despite the overwhelming evidence of Haddix’s perjury and unfitness to hold an AWA license, she continues to conduct her business with the imprimatur of legitimacy granted to her by AWA licensure. Until the USDA does the right thing, it will be complicit in her wrongful behavior.

Very truly yours,

Alan Cumming

PETA Honorary Director

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