tonka chimp crazy: Tonka, the chimpanzee who captured hearts in the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy, has embarked on a new chapter far removed from his days in the spotlight. Once a familiar face in films like George of the Jungle and Babe: Pig in the City, Tonka’s journey has taken him to a serene sanctuary in Florida, where he now enjoys a peaceful retirement.
From Hollywood Star to Sanctuary Resident
Tonka first rose to fame in the 1990s, gracing screens and winning over audiences with his performances. As he grew older and more unpredictable, his career in entertainment came to an end. Tonka transitioned to life at a primate facility that eventually became the Missouri Primate Foundation (MPF). However, his story took a dramatic turn as MPF’s ownership changed and legal battles ensued.
In Chimp Crazy, viewers witnessed the tumultuous period of Tonka’s life, including the legal disputes involving his caretaker, Tonia Haddix. After being implicated in a lawsuit filed by PETA over the conditions at MPF, Haddix was ordered to transfer the chimps to a sanctuary. Yet, in a shocking twist revealed in the series, Tonka was initially reported missing but later found to be living in Haddix’s basement.
A New Home at Save the Chimps
By spring 2022, Tonka’s plight led to his removal from Haddix’s basement and transfer to Save the Chimps, a renowned sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida. Save the Chimps is dedicated to providing lifelong care and a dignified retirement for chimpanzees who have endured lives in entertainment or research.
At Save the Chimps, Tonka is now one of the residents of Doug Island, one of the sanctuary’s 12 large island habitats. The sanctuary offers its residents extensive outdoor spaces where they can live in large family groups, free from the constraints of their past lives. Tonka shares his new home with 17 other chimps, including his companions Jacob, Cayleb, Ursula, and others.
Life at the Sanctuary
Life at Save the Chimps is designed to mimic a natural environment as closely as possible. Tonka and his fellow residents enjoy a range of enrichment activities, including playing with toys, soaking up the Florida sunshine, and participating in grooming sessions. The sanctuary’s approach emphasizes minimal human contact, allowing the chimps to live in a more peaceful and less intrusive setting.
Jenny Friedman, a care staffer at Save the Chimps, noted that Tonka has adapted well to his new surroundings. “He interacts affectionately with all the chimps and will drop everything to join a grooming session, especially if his beloved Ursula invites him,” Friedman shared.
A Bright Future for Tonka
Tonka’s transition from a Hollywood star to a cherished member of the Save the Chimps community highlights the sanctuary’s commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents. While his journey has been marked by challenges and change, Tonka now enjoys the comfort and care he deserves, basking in the sun and thriving in his new home.
For those interested in following Tonka’s story and learning more about the sanctuary, visit the Save the Chimps website. New episodes of Chimp Crazy continue to air on HBO, offering further insights into Tonka’s remarkable journey and the ongoing efforts to provide a better life for primates in need.
