The Tumultuous Life of Tonka the Chimp: From Hollywood Fame to Sanctuary Rescue
The Tumultuous Life of Tonka the Chimp: From Hollywood Fame to Sanctuary Rescue
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Tonka the chimpanzee has had a notable and tumultuous life, marked by his early fame in Hollywood and his later years in captivity under the care of Tonia Haddix.
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Background and Early Life
Tonka was born on October 5, 1991, and gained fame in the 1990s for his roles in movies such as "George of the Jungle" and "Buddy," where he co-starred with Alan Cumming. After his Hollywood career, Tonka was moved to a primate breeding facility that later became the Missouri Primate Foundation (MPF), also known as Chimparty.
Life with Tonia Haddix
In the late 2010s, ownership of MPF's seven primates, including Tonka, was transferred to Tonia Haddix, a former nurse turned exotic animal enthusiast. Haddix became known for her intense and controversial relationship with Tonka, often prioritizing his care over her own human children. She referred to herself as the "Dolly Parton of Chimps" and was deeply attached to Tonka, even claiming he was more important to her than her own children.
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Legal Issues and Rescue
Haddix's legal battles with PETA began in 2017 when PETA filed a lawsuit against the Missouri Primate Foundation, alleging unsatisfactory living conditions for the chimpanzees. In 2020, Haddix and MPF reached a consent decree with PETA, which allowed Haddix to keep three of the chimps, including Tonka, under certain conditions. However, in 2022, it was discovered that Haddix was keeping Tonka in her basement, despite claiming he had died. This led to Tonka's removal from her custody and transfer to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida.
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Life at Save the Chimps
At Save the Chimps, Tonka was reunited with his son Cayleb, who had also been rescued from a different facility. The sanctuary provides a spacious and enriching environment for the chimps, allowing them to live more naturally with minimal human contact. Tonka, now 33 years old, is described as calm, kind, curious, and confident. He enjoys activities like grooming, playing, and soaking up the sunshine.
