Help End Private Chimp Ownership
HBO’s “Chimp Crazy” highlights the urgent need to prohibit the private possession of chimps and other nonhuman primates. Learn how you can support critical legislation to end the exploitation of chimpanzees as pets and roadside zoo attractions.
“Chimp Crazy”
“Chimp Crazy” is a four-part HBO documentary series from the team behind “Tiger King.” It chronicles the true story of exotic animal broker Tonia Haddix, and the tragic consequences of private ownership of chimpanzees as pets.
The Pet Primate Trade
While it’s illegal to import primates into the United States for the pet trade, U.S. breeders provide a continuous supply of baby primates to meet demand, shipping to buyers across the country. For relatively little money, a person can buy virtually any species of monkey or ape, but rarely understand the consequences of owning a primate. Estimates suggest there are thousands of primates currently held privately as pets in the United States, if not tens of thousands.
Chimps As Pets
Chimpanzees are incredible strong, intelligent, wild animals, and they do not make suitable pets. Pet primates suffer tremendously, often forcibly removed from their mothers soon after birth, and spending the majority of their lives confined to small enclosures, not receiving the caliber of care they need. By the age of five, a chimpanzee has usually grown too strong for a human to handle, and as they reach sexual maturity, they become larger and more aggressive. Since 1990, nearly 300 people have reported being injured by captive primates, with many more incidents likely going unreported.
The Captive Primate Safety Act
Private ownership of primates hurts animals, threatens public safety, and strains resources of the community, sanctuaries, and rescue organizations. The Captive Primate Safety Act seeks to prohibit the private possession, sale, and transport of primates, and if passed, would essentially end the chimp pet industry. Help put an end to private primate ownership, and ensure chimpanzees are cared for by accredited facilities and sanctuaries.
How You Can Help
Sign up for updates on the Captive Primate Safety Act and info on how to contact your legislator and spread the word.