CONNECTICUT, USA — A new series streaming on Max called “Chimp Crazy” follows the story of Tonia Haddix of Festus, Mo., who once owned a now shut-down chimp breeding facility.
Part of the series documents an incident from Stamford on Feb. 16, 2009. Charla Nash was attacked by her friend’s pet chimpanzee, losing her face, hands and vision. She eventually received a face transplant.
After the brutal attack, the Captive Primate Safety Act, which was first introduced in the House of Representatives in 2007 but never passed, was reintroduced to Congress. The act would prohibit the ownership and sale of primates in the United States. In 2009, it didn’t pass the House.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) is putting forth the legislation again, hoping the renewed conversations around primate ownership because of the Max show will get the bill passed.
“In captivity, in shackles, in isolation, restriction, [chimpanzees] can become highly dangerous and unpredictable,” Blumenthal said at a press conference Wednesday.
Nicole Rivard from Friends of Animals joined the U.S. senator in Hartford. Rivard shared stories of what happens when animals are rehabilitated at their Texas sanctuary.
“It’s actually amazing to see their transformation at the sanctuary when they get a second chance and they’re no longer kept or exploited as pets,” Rivard said. “These are animals who couldn’t move well or never socialized. They’re seen climbing, swinging, grooming each other and vocalizing their excitement when they see care staff.”