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When the name Tonia Haddix started making headlines, most people didn’t expect a 55-year-old nurse from Missouri to become the face of one of the wildest true-crime-meets-animal stories in pop culture. But that’s exactly what happened.
Her name skyrocketed into conversation after the explosive HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy exposed her eccentric lifestyle and emotional connection to a Hollywood chimp named Tonka. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: Who is Tonia Haddix, and how old is she really?In this deep dive, we unpack everything about Tonia Haddix age, background, and the surprising truths and hidden details that make her story unlike anyone else’s in reality TV.
| Name | Tonia Haddix |
|---|---|
| Born | August 7 (Year not publicly confirmed) |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approximately 55 years old |
| Birthplace | Ozark, Missouri, United States |
| Occupation | Exotic Animal Broker, Reality TV Personality |
| Known For | HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy |
| Marital Status | Married to Jerry Aswegan (since 2021) |
| Children | Two – Justin and Erica |
| Residence | Sunrise Beach, Missouri |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $1 million to $3 million |
| Social Media |
Tonia Haddix Age and Birth Details
According to multiple sources, including People and The Independent, Tonia Rene Haddix was born on August 7 in Ozark, Missouri, making her approximately 55 years old in 2025.
Her birth year has not been publicly confirmed, but based on the official timeline of her career and statements in Chimp Crazy, most reports estimate her birth around 1969 or 1970.
At this age, Haddix has lived several lives — nurse, exotic animal broker, and now, reality-TV headline maker. Her age doesn’t just reveal how long she’s been around; it helps explain how her life took such a drastic, unexpected turn.
Early Life: From Small-Town Nurse to Animal Caretaker
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Before she became the flamboyant “Dolly Parton of chimps,” Tonia Haddix lived a relatively quiet life. She was raised in Ozark, Missouri, and worked for years as a registered nurse before her foray into exotic animals.
Former colleagues described her as a compassionate, energetic woman who loved taking care of others — human or not. Those nurturing instincts may have been what drew her to animals later in life.
Her pivot to animal care began in her 40s — long after most people have settled into a stable career. That makes her story both fascinating and baffling: how did a middle-aged nurse from Missouri become a global tabloid figure?
The Turning Point: How She Got Into Exotic Animals
Haddix’s transformation began when she became involved with the Missouri Primate Foundation (MPF), originally run by Connie Casey. The facility was known for housing chimpanzees once used in movies, commercials, and live performances.
When the organization faced legal scrutiny, Tonia stepped in — first helping care for the animals, then taking over ownership in 2018. From that moment, her life revolved around the chimps — especially one: Tonka, who starred in George of the Jungle and Buddy.
At around 50 years old, she left behind nursing for a full-time life with chimps, a dramatic mid-life reinvention that would soon spiral into controversy.
Rise to Fame: HBO’s “Chimp Crazy”
The HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy turned Tonia into an unlikely celebrity. Her big hair, heavy makeup, southern twang, and emotional confessions became social-media gold.
In the series, Haddix passionately defends her bond with Tonka, often claiming “he loved me more than anyone.” Viewers were captivated — and divided. Some saw her as eccentric but well-meaning; others saw obsession and delusion.
Her age played an important part in this perception. At 55, she wasn’t a young thrill-seeker — she was a seasoned woman driven by emotion and defiance. That age contrast made her story feel both tragic and fascinating, like a real-life soap opera for the modern age.
The Verified Truth About Her Age
Most reputable outlets — including People, The Independent, and The Telegraph — confirm her as 55 years old. While her exact birth year remains private, the 55-mark is now widely accepted.
That number matters because it shapes the way audiences interpret her actions. A 25-year-old breaking animal laws might seem reckless; a 55-year-old doing it evokes disbelief.
Her age also underscores the longevity of her obsession. This wasn’t a short-term phase — it was a lifestyle built over decades.
Hidden Details Fans Didn’t Know
Behind the sequins and chimp cages lies a very human story — one of grief, reinvention, and heartbreak. Here are some lesser-known truths about Tonia Haddix’s life:
1. She’s a grandmother.
Tonia has two children — Justin and Erica — and several grandchildren. She often posts family photos on her Facebook page, showing her softer, family-oriented side.
2. She married twice.
Her first husband, Gary Dean Haddix, passed away in 2020. In 2021, she remarried Jerry Aswegan, who also appears in the docuseries. Their partnership has weathered intense media scrutiny and legal battles.
3. She calls herself the “Dolly Parton of chimps.”
Known for her glamorous hair and country-chic outfits, Haddix embraces her flashy image. She’s been open about cosmetic tweaks — a playful nod to aging with confidence.
4. She’s had serious health scares.
Court documents mention her health struggles, including anxiety and stress-related conditions during her legal cases — showing how the chaos took a toll on her mid-life stability.
Legal Troubles and Controversies
At 55, Haddix faced more courtroom drama than most people see in a lifetime.
In August 2025, she was sentenced to 46 months in prison for perjury and obstruction of justice, after lying about Tonka’s supposed death. Federal authorities discovered she had secretly hidden the chimp instead of complying with court orders.
The USDA also revoked her animal welfare license in 2025 following pressure from PETA.
By mid-2025, she was serving her sentence in Missouri — her life as an animal owner officially over.
At her age, that means she will likely be nearly 60 by the time she’s released, facing an uncertain future far from the world she built.
Why Her Age Changes the Narrative
Why does age matter so much in this story? Because Tonia Haddix age reframes the way we interpret her choices.
- Experience vs. rebellion: At 55, her actions can’t be dismissed as youthful mistakes. They represent a fully conscious decision to defy the system.
- Mother and grandmother: Her age connects to her role as a caregiver — and to the empathy many viewers felt when she talked about “her babies” (the chimps).
- Cultural expectations: Society often expects women in their 50s to slow down, but Haddix became more flamboyant and daring with age.
- Public fascination: Her mid-life pivot from nursing to animal-trading reflects a wider curiosity about people who reinvent themselves late in life.
Age adds depth — turning what could have been a simple animal-law case into a story about obsession, love, and reinvention at mid-life.
Life Behind Bars — and What Comes Next
After her 46-month sentence, Haddix will likely emerge in her late 50s. What awaits her then?
Sources close to her say she hopes to write a memoir about her life with Tonka and the emotional aftermath of losing her animals. Whether the public is ready to forgive her remains unclear, but the fascination isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, Haddix’s story mirrors that of other controversial personalities who use their post-scandal years for reinvention — like influencer-turned-speaker Charleston White, who’s also sparked conversation about age, redemption, and fame.
(Read more about him in our related post: Charleston White Age)
If anything, age gives Haddix a second act waiting to be written.
Tonia Haddix on Social Media
Despite her legal troubles, Haddix remains active online. Her Facebook and Instagram accounts offer glimpses into her private world — from family photos to throwbacks with Tonka.
- Instagram: instagram
Fans and critics both flock to her posts, commenting everything from admiration to outrage. Her social media is equal parts fan shrine and digital courtroom — a fascinating mirror of her divided reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Tonia Haddix in 2025?
She is around 55 years old, based on her reported birthdate of August 7.
When was she born?
Her exact birth year isn’t confirmed, but she was likely born between 1969–1970.
Who is Tonia Haddix’s husband?
She is married to Jerry Aswegan, whom she wed in 2021.
Where does Tonia Haddix live?
She previously lived in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, but is currently serving her sentence in a Missouri correctional facility.
What is Tonia Haddix known for?
She’s best known as the exotic-animal broker featured in Chimp Crazy and for her legal battles over Tonka the chimp.
Is she still active on social media?
Yes, on Facebook and Instagram — often posting about family, faith, and her time with Tonka.
She is around 55 years old, based on her reported birthdate of August 7.
Her exact birth year isn’t confirmed, but she was likely born between 1969–1970.
She is married to Jerry Aswegan, whom she wed in 2021.
She previously lived in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, but is currently serving her sentence in a Missouri correctional facility.
She’s best known as the exotic-animal broker featured in Chimp Crazy and for her legal battles over Tonka the chimp.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the real story behind Tonia Haddix age, one thing is clear: age isn’t just a number in her saga — it’s a symbol.
At 55, she has lived through a series of dramatic transformations: from nurse to caregiver, from animal broker to convicted figure. Her age adds emotional weight to her story — a reminder that reinvention, fame, and downfall don’t just happen to the young.
Love her or loathe her, Tonia Haddix remains one of those rare personalities who blur the line between fascination and disbelief — a woman who, even at 55, refuses to fade quietly into the background.
