Eric Goode, Master Manipulator, Paints False Narrative on Beloved Chimpanzee Owners with Chimp Crazy

Eric Goode and Capuchin MonkeyPhoto byHBO Original

Eric Goode, the mastermind behind the show that was known in every household, Netflix hit, Tiger King, has painted a captivating yet deeply flawed picture of the exotic pet industry. His newest series, Chimp Crazy explores the most controversial pet ownership conversations in history. Obviously they're entertaining, they're wild, they're crazy. But are they true? Goode has advertently admitted that his motives are here to serve his own inerests rather then the well-being of the furry friends involved.

Sensationalizing the Industry: Exaggerated for the Big Screen

Goode's portrayal of exotic pet owners as these wild, lawless individuals has sensationalized the industry, fueling negative stereotypes and misconceptions. By focusing on the most extreme cases, he has created a distorted reality that ignores the majority of responsible pet owners who care deeply for their animals. This one-sided approach and blatant lies have contributed to a climate of misinformation, making it difficult for legitimate breeders and owners to survive.

Sandra and Travis the ChimpanzeePhoto byNadina Truini

Chimp Crazy, the new HBO series has often implied that exotic pet ownership is inherently harmful to the animals involved and that these well-cared for babies should be released back into the wild. How can the release of all these Chimpanzees that Connie Casey and Tonia Haddix have had in their care for many years even be okay? Has anyone stopped to think, these animals for generations have been bred in captivity and sending them into the wild will be detreimental to their emotional and social health, potentially leading them to an earlier death? Chimpanzees live in social groups form large, hierarchical groups, or communities, that can range in size from 20 to 150 individual chimps. Can you imagine, sending chimpanzees that for generations have only known their lifestyle to be subjected to an entire new element?

It is true that some individuals keep animals in horrid conditions, this is a problem that exists across all species, not just exotic ones. By suggesting that all exotic pets suffer, this creates uneccesary chaos and misiniformation amongst fellow animals lovers which in turn can end up in the animal suffering more.

Travis the Chimpanzee was a loved animal who had a tragic accident

February 16th, 2009, one week after my moms birthday, our dear friend and family member's pet chimpanzee attacked her employee viciously. The attack swept the nation, kids at school teased me, teachers spoke about the incident, it was the beginning of an emotional nightmare.

Suzan with TravisPhoto byNadina Truini

At around 3:45 PM, my moms cell phone rang. On the other line, you could hear Sandras voice, screaming, crying for my mom to head to the hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. I remember vivdly watching my mom throw her clothes on and run out the house. I sat worried, wondering what was happening for hours. Sandra Herold, known as Sandy, was a familiar face in our household, our family. We'd spend weekends going to Stormville Flea Market or making pure yucca botanicals, skincares and creams. Sandra is an inspiration and backstory to my beauty business today.

Travis, a kindhearted, furry friend, would often peer at me out the window when we'd stop by Sandys house. When Sandys granddaughter Nicole came to visit, we spent the nights doing girl things and going out. Sandra Herold lived a normal life with family and friends who loved her. Travis was just a part of that life. Travis had emotions and feelings just like humans do. He was the city celebrity, everyone knew him and everyone loved him.

Travis the Chimp on TelevisionPhoto byOld Navy

Sandra did everything she could to give Travis the best life. Travis was born to Coco and Suzy, famous Chimps on the HBO Series, Chimp Crazy. Travis was born to be a star, and Sandra only did what she knew best, she purchased him and cared for him. Sandra and her husband, Jerry, traveled to Festus Missouri and purchased Travis for $40,000, promising him a lifetime of love.

Sandra would spend anything to make sure Travis was taken care of correctly. Travis ate the right foods and his enclosure was large enough to house two or more chimpanzees. Travis grew fast, requiring his enclosure to stay updated by my dad. My dad, Louis, and his workers loved Travis. They spent weeks rebuilding his enclosure and renovating the home, and found enjoyment interacting with Travis. Some workers were scared, afraid of this exotic pet and what may happen. Travis was having a rough day and wanted to go for a ride. She gave him the medication moments before the accident, in hopes to calm him down. Travis wasn't addicted to drugs. Sandra and Travis didn't drink wine and do illicit activities. The allegations and claims from individuals who were not apart of this womans life are horrid. The Xanax was in a cup of tea, but the pills remained at the bottom of the cup, minimally dissolved. Travis' body did not have enough time to even metabolize the medication. Confirmed by mulitple veternarians, xanax would be fine for Travis. Humans take it for anxiety attacks, just as prescribed for dogs or cats, xanax was not the problem here. The narrative still spins, 15 years later, that the xanax was the reason for Travis accident without any concrete evidence.

The aftermath of Travis' attack was brutal. Sandra spent more time over to heal from the loss, and we'd tried our hardest to alleviate the blow from the media. She spent most days by Charla Nash's side, worrying about her future. The media never shows this side of her, never emphasizing the hours Sandra spent at the Hospital with Nash. She lost her pet companion that she cared for for over 15 years in the process and spent the rest of her life battling reporters, newspapers and rumors. This was the end of a chapter in Sandras life and the beginning of her demise.

Eric Goode, Nightclub Aficionado with John Lurie and Werner HerzogPhoto byWolfgang Wesener

Personal Loss and Public Exploition Continuing 15 Years Later

Goode's motivations for creating Tiger King may have been more self-serving than altruistic. His decision to delve into the world of exotic pet ownership is obviously driven primarily by the commercial success of his previous documentary series.After realizing the financial potential of Tiger King, Goode plotted on creating his next hit with PETA having their hand in the cookie jar. Goode sought out similar stories to capitalize on his newfound fame and fortune. Eric Goode couldn't even be decent and provide Tonia Haddix with the truth, deceiving her from the beginning with a proxy director.

Eric Goode's portrayal of the exotic pet industry is a deeply flawed one. By sensationalizing the most extreme cases and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, he has contributed to a climate of fear and misinformation. While his work claims to raise awareness of certain issues, it is essential to recognize the limitations of his perspective and to seek out information from valuable sources that are doing this for the greater good.

To stay connected with me or want the truth told, @jmarietass