FESTUS, Mo. – Tonia Haddix, the subject of HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy” and a controversial figure in exotic animal ownership, is set to lose her animal welfare license, according to a new federal court order.

On March 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a motion that orders the “termination” of Haddix’s federal license, which allows her to broker and transport infant monkeys and other wild animals, in addition to operating her roadside animal zoo in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

Haddix has recently gained notoriety as the focus of the viral HBO docuseries “Chimp Crazy,” which explores her actions and broader issues related to the private ownership of exotic animals, specifically chimpanzees. The docuseries is based on original reporting from FOX Files investigator Chris Hayes.

Throughout the years, Haddix cared for the seven chimpanzees and bred them as talent for films and photoshoots, among other activities. These chimpanzees previously inhabited the Missouri Primate Foundation, a now-defunct animal breeding facility near Festus.

Haddix’s attachment to one chimpanzee, Tonka, sparked national attention in 2021. Tonka is a former animal movie star, appearing in films like the 1997 comedy Buddy. At some point, Haddix claimed that Tonka had died when she instead had him locked in her basement.

Over the last several years, Haddix has faced several high-profile legal battles related to exotic animal ownership. The March 13 court ruling comes more than three months after an administrative lawsuit accused her of lying in federal court about Tonka’s death and arguing that her actions made her unfit to hold an animal welfare license.

Animal advocacy group PETA says it repeatedly urged USDA to revoke Haddix’s license, filing multiple complaints and meeting with agency officials.

Haddix’s license termination is scheduled to take effect April 22, unless she appeals the USDA’s order. Once revoked, the order would disqualify her from holding a license to exhibit and sell USDA-regulated animals for two years.

NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s reporting in Dec. 2024.