In 2022, the New York Court of Appeals became the first US state high court to consider arguments calling for a nonhuman animal’s right to liberty. Will the California Supreme Court become the second?
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Dear John,
This week the NhRP legal team filed a habeas corpus petition in the California Supreme Court–the state’s highest court–on behalf of our California clients. They are Nolwazi, Amahle, and Mabu: three elephants who should be roaming the forests, savannas, and grasslands of Africa where they were born. Yet, they are spending their lives on display in tiny, barren yards surrounded by major transportation arteries and railways. Like all elephants in zoos, they have no control over their lives.
Our petition makes clear that the elephants are entitled to a hearing on their imprisonment in the Fresno Chaffee Zoo–followed by recognition of their right to liberty and release to an elephant sanctuary. Experts and other groups are already filing briefs in support.
Sometime in the weeks and months ahead, we’ll learn whether the California Supreme Court will take their case, which is their clear and urgent duty under California’s common law of habeas corpus.
John, the more people we have on our side, the more likely it is that judges are forced to pay attention and create change. As the Court considers whether to take their case, will you help us reach 50,000 signatures on our Change.org petition calling for their freedom?
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The filing of our habeas corpus petition follows a recent Fresno Chaffee Zoo announcement that Nolwazi and her daughter Amahle are pregnant. Thank you for taking up our call-to-action to comment on the Fresno Chaffee Zoo's social media pages to raise awareness of how unnatural and wrong it is to breed elephants. You're making a huge difference. As Amahle, Nolwazi, and Mabu’s attorney, I know I’m grateful for your time and support. Jake Davis Staff Attorney, the NhRP |
