Tonia Haddix has captured the attention of many with her unique journey from a dedicated nurse to a passionate exotic animal enthusiast. Known affectionately as the “Dolly Parton of chimps” for her love of primates, Tonia’s life story blends compassion for animals, family devotion, and a bit of controversy that made headlines.
In this article, we’ll dive into her net worth, personal life, and professional path. Whether you’re curious about her family dynamics or how she built her career, there’s plenty to explore. Let’s get started on this fascinating look at Tonia Haddix.
What is Tonia Haddix Net Worth?
Tonia Haddix’s net worth is a topic that sparks interest, especially given her unconventional career choices. As of 2025, estimates place her financial standing between $1 million and $3 million. This range reflects her diverse income streams and the ups and downs of running an animal-related business. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s a testament to her resilience in turning a passion for wildlife into a livelihood.
Tonia’s wealth isn’t flashy; it’s built on steady efforts over the years. Factors like her animal brokerage work, media appearances, and side ventures contribute to this figure. While exact details can vary due to private finances, reliable sources agree that her net worth has grown steadily, even amid legal challenges. For someone who started in healthcare and pivoted to exotic pets, this success shows smart adaptation to what she loves most.
Key Factors Influencing Her Wealth
- Business Ventures: Her role in animal sanctuaries and safaris forms the core.
- Public Exposure: Recent documentaries have boosted visibility and opportunities.
- Personal Investments: Smart choices in property and partnerships help sustain growth.
In a world where celebrity net worths often come from endorsements, Tonia’s feels more grounded—like a neighbor who’s turned hobbies into hustle.
Income Details of Tonia Haddix
Breaking down Tonia Haddix’s income reveals a mix of traditional and creative sources. Her earnings stem from her deep-rooted passion for animals, which has evolved into multiple revenue streams. Let’s unpack how she makes her money in simple terms.
Primarily, Tonia earns from her exotic animal brokerage. As a broker, she facilitates the care, relocation, and sometimes sale of primates and other wildlife. This isn’t a nine-to-five job—it’s hands-on, requiring travel and expertise, which can bring in substantial fees.
Before fully diving into this, her nursing background provided a stable salary, estimated around $50,000–$70,000 annually in Missouri, based on industry averages for registered nurses.
Today, her income has diversified:
- Safari and Petting Zoo Operations: Co-owning Sunrise Beach Safari with her husband generates ticket sales and event fees. A family-friendly spot near Lake of the Ozarks, it draws visitors eager for up-close animal encounters.
- Media and Content Creation: The HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy spotlighted her life, leading to Cameo videos where fans pay for personalized messages—often $20–$50 each. Social media shoutouts and interviews add extra cash.
- Consulting and Partnerships: She advises on primate care, partnering with facilities for breeding or rehabilitation programs.
Despite recent setbacks, like legal fees from animal welfare cases, Tonia’s proactive approach keeps her finances afloat. Her story reminds us that true income often follows what lights you up inside.
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Contribution |
| Animal Brokerage | $200,000–$500,000 |
| Safari/Petting Zoo | $100,000–$300,000 |
| Media Appearances | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Past Nursing Salary | $50,000–$70,000 |
Quick Info About Tonia Haddix
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tonia Rene Haddix (now Aswegan) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1–$3 million |
| Age | 56 years old |
| Birthdate | August 7, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Ozark, Missouri |
| Current Residence | Sunrise Beach, Missouri |
| Family | Husband: Jerry Aswegan; Children: Justin and Erica |
| Career Highlights | Former nurse; Exotic animal broker; Safari owner |
| Famous For | Chimp Crazy docuseries; Primate advocacy |
Early Life and Family
Tonia Haddix’s early years paint a picture of small-town roots and budding curiosity. Born on August 7, 1969, in Ozark, Missouri, she grew up in a close-knit community where nature was always close by. Missouri’s rolling hills and wildlife sparked her lifelong fascination with animals, setting the stage for her future path.
Family played a big role in shaping her. Though details about her parents are private, Tonia often speaks warmly of the values they instilled—like hard work and compassion.
As an adult, she built her own family unit, welcoming two children: son Justin and daughter Erica Range. Justin, her son, has stayed out of the spotlight, focusing on a low-key life, while Erica shares her mom’s adventurous spirit, occasionally joining family ventures.
- Family Bonds: Tonia credits her kids for grounding her during tough times, like business hurdles.
- Support System: Holidays and simple gatherings keep the family tight, even with her busy schedule.
- Influences: Early exposure to farm animals in Missouri honed her nurturing side.
Her early life wasn’t without challenges, but it forged a resilient woman who values loyalty above all.
Tonia Haddix Husband
Tonia’s romantic life adds heart to her story. She was first married to Gary Dean Haddix in 2009. Gary, a truck driver from Oklahoma who later worked on farms, was a steady partner during her career shift. Sadly, Gary passed away on December 4, 2020, leaving Tonia to navigate grief while managing their shared passions.
In 2021, she found love again with Jerry Aswegan, a fellow animal lover from the Kansas City area. Jerry runs a mobile petting zoo, making their partnership a natural fit. Together, they’ve launched Sunrise Beach Safari, blending their skills for educational animal experiences.
- Shared Interests: Both adore wildlife, turning date nights into sanctuary visits.
- Teamwork: Jerry’s business savvy complements Tonia’s hands-on care.
- Challenges Overcome: They’ve faced legal storms side by side, emerging stronger.
Tonia describes Jerry as her rock, proving that second chances can lead to beautiful collaborations.
Also Read: Mike Murdock Net Worth 2025
Educational Background
Tonia’s education laid a strong foundation for her empathetic career. As a registered nurse, she likely pursued a nursing diploma or associate degree from a Missouri community college in the late 1980s or early 1990s—common paths for hands-on healthcare roles.
Specific school names aren’t public, but her training emphasized patient care, which seamlessly transferred to animal welfare.
Nursing school taught her more than medical skills; it built empathy and quick thinking. Tonia often reflects on how bedside manner helped her connect with primates, treating them like extended family.
- Key Lessons: Anatomy knowledge aids in animal health checks.
- Ongoing Learning: She stays updated via workshops on exotic pet care.
- Impact: Her background sets her apart in the animal world, blending science with heart.
This phase of life was pivotal, turning a young Missouri girl into a skilled professional ready for bigger adventures.
Career
Tonia’s career is a whirlwind of transformation. Starting as a nurse in the 1990s, she provided compassionate care in local hospitals, honing skills that would later save animal lives. But her heart pulled her toward wildlife after volunteering at a chimp facility.
By the 2010s, she became an exotic animal broker, specializing in primates. Taking over the Missouri Primate Foundation marked a turning point, where she managed breeding and rehoming efforts.
Her nickname, the “Dolly Parton of chimps,” comes from her flair for caring for multiple monkeys with love and showmanship.
Challenges arose, including high-profile disputes with animal rights groups over chimp Tonka, leading to legal battles and her 2025 sentencing of 46 months for related charges. Yet, Tonia’s co-owned safari thrives, offering ethical encounters.
- Milestones: From nurse shifts to sanctuary leadership.
- Innovations: Educational programs at her facilities promote conservation.
- Future Outlook: Post-legal hurdles, she’s eyeing advocacy work.
Her path shows that passion-driven careers, though bumpy, can be profoundly rewarding.
Age, Height and Weight
At 56 years old, Tonia Haddix embodies vitality and purpose. Born in 1969, she celebrated her birthday in August 2025, entering this chapter with wisdom from decades of experiences.
While Tonia keeps specifics about her height and weight private—focusing instead on her active, animal-filled days—observers note her sturdy, approachable build suited to wrangling chimps and hosting safari tours.
She’s the type who looks as comfortable in work boots as she does chatting with fans online. Health for her means staying on her feet, chasing after curious primates, and enjoying Missouri’s outdoors. Age is just a number when you’re living with such zest!
Tonia Haddix Social Profiles
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Conclusion
Tonia Haddix’s story is one of heart, hustle, and a whole lot of chimp hugs. From her $1–$3 million net worth built on animal passion to her loving family with husband Jerry and kids Justin and Erica, she’s proof that life rewards those who follow their calling.
At 56, with a nursing foundation and a career full of twists, Tonia continues inspiring us to embrace the wild side—responsibly, of course.
Whether facing courtrooms or caring for creatures, her journey teaches resilience and joy. What’s next for this Missouri trailblazer? More safaris, stories, and maybe a book on primate parenting. Thanks for joining this peek into Tonia’s world—here’s to living boldly!
FAQs
What is Tonia Haddix net worth?
Approx. $1–$3 million, based on public sources and media estimates.
How did Tonia Haddix get into exotic animals?
She transitioned from nursing after volunteering at a chimp facility, falling in love with primates.
Is Tonia Haddix still running her safari?
Yes, despite recent legal issues, Sunrise Beach Safari operates as a family venture.
What’s the biggest lesson from Tonia’s life?
Passion plus perseverance can turn dreams into a fulfilling career.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and is for informational purposes only. Net worth estimates are approximate and may vary.
Sources and Verification:
The information in this article has been compiled from publicly available sources including People Magazine, The New York Times, Variety, and court records.
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