After the zoo submits its response, we will have the opportunity to reply to their arguments. We expect Judge Bentley to issue a decision thereafter on whether to order a hearing on the merits of the case.
With the support of globally respected elephant cognition and behavior experts, our habeas corpus petition makes clear that our clients are held in an environment that can only cause them suffering.
As we hope the Colorado courts will agree, the question of whether elephants have the fundamental right to liberty is urgent and important—not just for these autonomous beings who feel the impact of their confinement every day, just as we would, but also because depriving elephants of their freedom in zoo exhibits is and has never been the path to protecting this magnificent, vital species. Rather, it is a longstanding injustice that needs to be acknowledged and remedied.
We look forward to addressing the zoo’s response.
As always, we will keep you posted.
Thank you,
Jake Davis
Staff Attorney, the NhRP
