HBO's 'Chimp Crazy' Explores the Dark Side of Private Chimp Ownership

Eric Goode's new docuseries delves into the ethics and dangers of keeping chimpanzees as pets, focusing on the story of Tonia Haddix and her controversial Missouri sanctuary.

• The series highlights the problematic nature of domestic chimpanzee ownership and calls for federal regulation.
• Tonia Haddix, a central figure, is portrayed with both empathy and critical scrutiny.
• Documentary ethics are questioned as Goode employs a 'proxy director' to gain access to Haddix's sanctuary.
• Interviews with Alan Cumming and others reveal the complexities and consequences of human-chimp relationships.
• The series presents tragic cases of chimp attacks, emphasizing the risks and moral dilemmas involved.

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