ST. LOUIS — A Missouri woman featured in the HBO documentary “Chimp Crazy” has admitted to lying in federal court about the death of Tonka the chimpanzee.

Tonia Haddix pleaded guilty in downtown St. Louis Monday, admitting that her false statements influenced and obstructed a 2016 suit involving allegations by PETA over the care of seven chimps at the now closed Missouri Primate Foundation near Festus.

Haddix gained notoriety through the HBO documentary “Chimp Crazy,” which looks at her and actions caring for animals in captivity, her run in with the authorities and animal rights groups and the risks other face caring for exotic animals.

“Despite repeatedly being warned by the District Court about the consequences of flouting the consent decree and court orders and being given ample opportunity to come into compliance, Haddix continued to defy the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “She then repeatedly lied about Tonka’s death while she was under oath.”

In July 2021, the Jefferson County Sheriff's department and U.S. Marshals removed six chimpanzees from Haddix's facility in July of 2021. Court documents show that access was only provided to the six chimpanzees and Haddix provided no information about Tonka. 

During a court hearing in August 2021, court documents say Haddix filed a declaration under penatly of perjury stating, “On May 30, 2021, Tonka died.  On that same date, [my husband] cremated Tonka’s body.  After the cremation, he gave me Tonka’s cremated remains.  Since then, I have retained—and continue to retain—Tonka’s remains.”  

The court says on several other occasions, Haddix stated Tonka was dead until June 2022 when new evidence presented to the court revealed Tonka was alive. 

Days later, Tonka was transferred from a cage in Haddix's basement to a Save the Chimps sanctuary where he continues to live today.

"When PETA and U.S. Marshals found where Haddix had hidden Tonka, he was alone, locked in a tiny cage in Haddix’s dark basement, isolated, and denied everything necessary for a healthy, happy life," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk.

PETA says now Tonka spends his days roaming a three-acre island in Florida spending time with other chimpanzees.

"Haddix must now face consequences for her selfish, cruel actions," says Newkirk.

Haddix’s attorney briefly talked with reporters after the court hearing.

“We were very happy we were able to negotiate a fair resolution that was in our client’s best interest. She looks forward to putting this behind her," said attorney Justin Gelfand. 

District Court judge Stephen Clark, who will render the sentencing decision, cautioned Haddix to be mindful of any public statements she makes before then, given the public declarations she’s made on podcasts showing what could be construed as a lack of accountability for her actions.

She could face up to 20 years in prison.

Haddix did not talk to reporters as she left the Eagleton Courthouse Monday afternoon.

She is in the process of appealing an order that had her federal license with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture terminated. The move means she is banned from legally selling USDA-regulated animals and operating her roadside zoo in Sunrise Beach.

Haddix’s license termination is scheduled for April 22 unless she appeals the USDA order. If her license is revoked, she cannot hold a license to exhibit or sell USDA-regulated animals for two years.