In the wake of the cultural phenomenon that was “Tiger King,” HBO Max brings us another gripping documentary series that delves into the controversial world of exotic pet ownership. “Chimp Crazy,” a four-part series, takes viewers on a wild ride through the lives of people who own chimpanzees and other primates in the United States. As someone who has watched the first two episodes, I can confidently say that this series is set to become the next big talking point in the realm of animal documentaries.
From the very beginning, “Chimp Crazy” draws parallels to “Tiger King,” and for good reason. It’s created by the same team that brought us that quarantine-era sensation. However, the exotic animal world has become wary of these documentarians, forcing them to employ a proxy director with a background in the Barnum and Bailey Circus to gain access to their subjects. This behind-the-scenes maneuvering sets the stage for a series that promises to be as intriguing off-camera as it is on-screen.
The series primarily focuses on the state of Missouri, which we learn has some of the most lenient laws regarding exotic animal ownership in the United States. We’re introduced to characters like Tonia Haddix and Pam Rosaire, women who claim to love their primate pets more than their own children. One particularly shocking anecdote involves Rosaire’s husband walking in on her nursing both her human child and a newborn monkey simultaneously. These moments of startling devotion to their animals set the tone for the series, highlighting the complex and often troubling relationships between humans and their exotic pets.
At the center of this primate-owning world is Connie Casey, portrayed as the go-to person for purchasing a chimpanzee in the United States. Casey’s journey from running “ChimpParty,” a business that rented out chimps for events and movies, to founding the Missouri Primate Foundation is a central narrative of the series. The transition was reportedly sparked by incidents of chimps grabbing customers and even biting off Casey’s husband’s nose. This evolution from entertainment to “conservation” forms a crucial part of the documentary’s exploration of the exotic animal industry.
The series doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of this world. We learn that the Missouri Primate Foundation continued to breed and sell chimps for prices ranging from $45,000 to $60,000. The documentary exposes the grim reality that once these animals outgrow their “cute and trainable” phase at around 5 years old, they are often neglected. This revelation led to a PETA lawsuit against the foundation, providing the filmmakers with unprecedented access to document the unfolding legal battle.
One of the most riveting aspects of “Chimp Crazy” is its real-time documentation of a raid on the primate facility. The filmmakers set up cameras 18 hours before PETA and government officials arrived to remove the animals. The scene is intense and emotional, as we watch the chimps being darted, sedated, and transported to sanctuaries. However, in a twist that sets up the narrative for the second episode, one chimp named Tonka is mysteriously missing when PETA leaves.
The series doesn’t just focus on the present; it also delves into past incidents that have shaped public perception of privately owned primates. The second episode explores the story of Travis, a chimp sold by Connie Casey, who made national headlines in 2009 when he mauled a woman and was subsequently shot by police. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of keeping these powerful animals as pets. It also talks about how Tonia makes extensive amounts of money being an “animal broker”. It’s brought up a lot of questions for fans about legality and ethics of this business.
What makes “Chimp Crazy” particularly disturbing for animal lovers is its unflinching portrayal of the treatment these primates receive. The documentary shows chimps on leashes and being fed a diet that is shockingly inappropriate for their species. While chimps in the wild primarily consume fruits, honey, leaves, and insects, we see the captive animals being given processed human foods like candy, whipped cream, cupcakes, and even McDonald’s Happy Meals. This stark contrast between natural behavior and captive life is one of the most thought-provoking aspects of the series.
Despite its troubling content, or perhaps because of it, “Chimp Crazy” is compelling viewing. Like its predecessor “Tiger King,” it’s a series that’s hard to look away from, even when it makes you uncomfortable. It raises important questions about the ethics of exotic pet ownership, the adequacy of animal welfare laws, and the human desire to possess and control wild animals.
As the series continues to unfold, it promises to delve deeper into the legal, ethical, and emotional complexities of the exotic animal trade. With its mix of eccentric characters, legal drama, and animal welfare issues, “Chimp Crazy” is poised to become a significant cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about our relationship with animals and the responsibilities that come with their care.
In conclusion, “Chimp Crazy” is more than just a documentary series; it’s a window into a world that most of us never see. It challenges our perceptions, makes us question our laws, and forces us to confront the consequences of treating wild animals as pets or entertainment. As viewers, we’re left to grapple with these issues long after the credits roll, making “Chimp Crazy” a must-watch for anyone interested in animal welfare, human psychology, or simply captivating storytelling.
