Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/chimp-actor/

For a year, the world grieved the loss of Tonka, the adorable chimpanzee who starred in the movies George of the Jungle and Buddy.

According to his owner, Tonia Haddix. the chimp died from a stroke and his remains had been burned in a fire pit.

But, the animal rights non-profit organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who has filed a case against Haddix refused to believe her words. And a year later, they and the rest of the world found out that Haddix was indeed lying.

Tonka is alive! And the chimp has been spending his time alone in a small cage in Haddix’s basement, just watching TV and playing with an iPad-like gadget.

PETA found out the truth about Tonka after someone informed them that Haddix was planning to have the chimp euthanized. Being in isolation for almost 12 months has made the chimpanzee overweight and sick. Haddix called up his veterinarian and euthanasia was the only recourse to end the animal’s pain.

But PETA was able to secure an emergency court order before Tonka could be put to sleep. The chimp actor was found in his owner’s home, and Haddix had to admit that she had lied because, in her opinion, Tonka needed her more than anyone or anything else in the world.

Upon learning about PETA’s intention to have the chimp evaluated by an independent veterinarian to determine if Tonka could make the trip to an accredited animal sanctuary, Haddix vehemently opposed.

“Tonka just cannot tolerate that,” said Haddix. “If anybody knows Tonka, Tonka is not a normal chimpanzee. He is a people chimpanzee because he was raised for the movie sets and he could care less about other chimpanzees. He doesn’t act like another chimpanzee, he loves people.”

Nevertheless, PETA stands firm in its belief that the chimpanzee deserves better than being kept in Haddix’s care.

“After months of searching, Tonka has finally been found and help is on the way,” according to PETA’s attorney Jared Goodman in a statement. “He has endured nearly a year of isolation and likely needs urgent care, but if all goes well, PETA will soon arrange for him to be moved to a lush sanctuary where he’ll have a chance for a real life at last.”

Tonka is now living with real love and happiness in Save The Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog