Photo credit: movieweb.com
New HBO Docuseries Chimp Crazy Explores the Complexities of Exotic Animal Ownership
The Tiger King may have taken a backseat, as HBO introduces its latest docuseries, Chimp Crazy, which explores the often outrageous world of exotic animal ownership. This four-part series, directed by Eric Goode—known for the cultural phenomenon Tiger King—has debuted with a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It chronicles the life of Tonia Haddix, a former nurse and exotic animal broker who dedicates herself to caring for animals, especially her cherished chimpanzee, as she battles challenges posed by authorities and animal rights activists.
Drawing parallels to the bizarre saga of Joe Exotic, early reviews have labeled Chimp Crazy a compelling addition to the genre. Critics suggest it elevates the narrative surrounding exotic animal keepers and “chimp moms.” According to Margaret Lyons from The New York Times, the series surpasses its predecessor.
“Those featured in this documentary face significant struggles, some of which are humorous, while others pertain to the chimps themselves. Chimp Crazy provides a richer context compared to Tiger King, with a keen focus on animal welfare,” she remarked.
In a different take, Daniel Fienberg from THR pointed out that while the series offers both strengths and weaknesses compared to Tiger King, it adopts a more mature and less sensational tone.
“Goode effectively presents a well-structured argument in Chimp Crazy—that private ownership of chimpanzees is inherently problematic and demands stricter regulation. This is essential for the safety of both the chimpanzees and their owners, who often underestimate the risks of domesticating such large and powerful animals,” he stated.
Nick Schager from The Daily Beast labeled the series as “the Bananas New Tiger King You’ve Been Waiting For,” calling it a “worthy and eccentric successor to the pandemic-era sensation.” He described it as another eye-opening exploration into a niche of the exotic animal trade.
Chimp Crazy Delves Deeper Into Ethical Considerations
Michel Ghanem from The Cut commended Goode for maintaining a balance similar to that seen in Tiger King, yet with an enhanced focus on the welfare of the animals involved rather than just highlighting the eccentric human characters.
“It appears that Goode’s experiences while producing Tiger King influenced his approach in Chimp Crazy, especially in the prioritization of animal welfare and in steering clear of exploitative depictions,” he noted.
John Anderson of The Wall Street Journal shared similar sentiments. He applauded Goode for tackling the ethical dilemmas surrounding the exotic animal industry alongside its sensational aspects.
“The frightening tales of ‘pets’ turning aggressive raise troubling ethical questions. Goode’s documentary does not shy away from addressing these concerns throughout its narrative,” Anderson wrote.
Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune found that Chimp Crazy holds a significant emotional impact that goes beyond typical streaming hits.
“The series lingered with me long after viewing. It has changed my perspective on all interactions between humans and animals, whether they are domesticated or wild,” she expressed.
The HBO Original Documentary Series Chimp Crazy is set to premiere on August 18 on HBO and Max. Be sure to check out the trailer below.
Source
movieweb.com