Chimp Crazy

What’s it about?

This docuseries follows Tonia Haddix, an exotic animal broker who refers to herself as the “Dolly Parton of chimps,” as her love for one ex-Hollywood chimpanzee spins into a clash with authorities and animal activists.

The facts

• Directed by Erin Goode (Tiger King)
• English language
• 4 episodes, 54 minutes each (on average)

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by the NEON. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Content that may disturb

The mistreatment of animals is a central theme to the docuseries. Chimpanzees are neglected, given junk food, and forced to perform in manners that may harm them. A journalist in an interview describes it as a “ghastly prison for Chimpanzees.” Some viewers may find these themes emotionally impactful.

A story is told about a chimp who bit a man’s nose off. It is said that the chimp mysteriously died a few months later.

Violence

Halfway through episode 2, we hear a recording of a woman on a phone call to the police. She screams and cries as she explains how a Chimpanzee has “ripped” her friends face off and is eating them in front of her. The woman says she tried to stab the chimp, and that it killed her friend. A news presenter mentions how the victim lost her eyes, nose, and jaw, but survived. In an interview with the victim after she was discharged from hospital, she says, “my skull is opened up. My brains are out.” We see some blood on the ground in photos from the incident and though the victim wears a cloth over her face in the interview, it is easy to make out that her face is deformed. We do not see anything gory or any injury detail.

Nudity

A topless woman is shown in a photograph in episode one as she is described to have breastfed a chimpanzee.

Chimpanzees’ genitals are shown in documentary footage.

Offensive language

This series contains the use of offensive language, with words like “f*ck,” “sh*t,” and “piss.”

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters