Chimp Crazy: A Wake-Up Call to End Primate Pet Ownership

On Sunday, August 18th, HBO premiered Chimp Crazy, a four-part documentary series produced by the same team behind Tiger King. This series shines a much-needed spotlight on the tragic consequences of keeping chimpanzees as pets.

We have not yet seen the full series, but based on the trailers, it’s clear that the documentary will depict the harsh realities and dangers associated with keeping primates as pets. The story of Tonka, a chimpanzee hidden by an exotic animal broker, is just one example of the countless primates suffering due to inadequate care and lack of legal protections.

The pet trade is a cruel industry, fueled by social media’s glorification of exotic pets. While keeping primates as pets remains legal in many states, the proposed Captive Primate Safety Act seeks to protect primates from private ownership and regulate their interstate sale. Strengthening regulations and creating greater legal protections are crucial to safeguard both primates and public safety.

Chimpanzees are endangered across Africa and yet the international demand for baby chimps as pets is driving an illegal trade that is wiping out precious wild populations. Permitting the keeping of chimpanzees as pets anywhere in the world is highly detrimental to both their conservation and their welfare. Chimpanzees suffer severe psychological and physical harm when kept as pets and become dangerous as they grow into strong adults.

Accredited wildlife sanctuaries, like the 23 members of PASA, play a critical role in providing rehabilitative care to primates victimized by the pet trade.

• They ensure animals have conditions as close to the wild as possible, with enclosures measured in acres rather than cages measured in square feet.
• They provide superior veterinary care and where possible, release rescued animals back into the wild.
• When reintroduction to the wild is not possible, these sanctuaries give life-long care to animals, often a 20-30 year commitment in the case of primates.

As an alliance, we work to combat the illegal wildlife trade by training law enforcement officials, strengthening wildlife protection laws, and raising awareness of the pet trade globally. PASA’s Not-A-Pet petition gained support from over 150,000 animal lovers concerned by social media’s role in fueling demand for pet primates.

We hope that Chimp Crazy will further raise awareness about the primate pet trade and encourage viewers to support efforts to protect these incredible animals. By supporting accredited sanctuaries and advocating for stronger legal protections, we can help ensure a safer future for these intelligent and social beings.

The animals depicted in Chimp Crazy are more than just characters in a documentary; they are sentient beings deserving of respect and care. Let us work together to ensure that their stories lead to meaningful change and a future where no primate has to suffer in the name of entertainment or profit.