The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who can provide information to locate or confirm the death of a chimpanzee the group believes is being hidden by his former caretaker. The chimp, who is named Tonka, was being cared for at the Missouri Primate Foundation, 12338 Hwy. CC, south of Festus.
Tonia Haddix was the last owner of Tonka and six other chimps – Crystal, Mikayla, Tammy, Connor, Candy and Kerry – who lived at the facility formerly known as Chimparty, which provided chimps for parties, television ads and movies. The chimps previously belonged to Connie Casey, who transferred ownership of the animals to Haddix in an attempt to end a lawsuit PETA filed against her 2016.
After years of legal battles, the case seemed to be concluded July 14 when U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry ordered Haddix to give up ownership of the seven chimps and allow PETA to transfer them to the Center of Great Apes in Wauchula, Fla. The order came after the judge ruled Haddix had not followed a consent decree she had reached with PETA, which would have allowed her to retain ownership and care for Crystal, Mikayla and Tonka.
Crystal, Mikayla, Tammy, Connor, Candy and Kerry were transferred from the Festus-area facility to the Florida sanctuary on July 28. Tonka also was supposed to be transferred that day, but Haddix said Tonka died May 24 after suffering a stroke or heart attack. Haddix was ordered by the court to show proof of Tonka’s death, but the proof she provided was not acceptable, PETA said in a court filing.
On Jan. 5, Perry ruled Haddix was unable to prove that Tonka is dead, but the judge did not hold Haddix in contempt. However, the judge allowed PETA to file a new lawsuit to force Tonka’s transfer to the Florida facility if Tonka found alive.
PETA asks anyone with information about Tonka’s whereabouts or proof of his death to call 757-622-7382 or submit information at PETA.org/Tonka.
Click to read past Leader coverage on the events that led to "Chimp Crazy."