Dear John,
Our lawsuit demanding freedom and sanctuary for seven chimpanzees held captive at the DeYoung Family Zoo is the first case of its kind in Michigan. As we prepare for our hearing before the Michigan Court of Appeals on October 14th, our commitment to securing our clients’ right to liberty is strengthened by the extraordinary support their case has received from leading experts and advocates.
Most recently, the Michigan Court of Appeals accepted an amicus brief submitted in support of the NhRP by Attorneys for Animals, the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and Professors David Favre and Angie Vega who are both part of the Animal Law Project at the Michigan State University College of Law. Their brief underscores the legal and ethical significance of our arguments.
Our complaint is also supported by affidavits and declarations from six of the world’s foremost experts in chimpanzee behavior and cognition, including the late Dr. Jane Goodall, who—in her declaration of support—wrote:
“There is ample proof from studies of chimpanzee behavior, both in the wild and in captivity, that chimpanzees are autonomous beings with a highly complex cognitive nature.”
The legal and scientific insights submitted by these experts in their briefs and affidavits provide a powerful scientific foundation for our habeas corpus complaint and reinforce the urgency of recognizing the autonomy and protecting the freedom of our chimpanzee clients.
We are so grateful for their participation in the chimpanzees’ case, and we’re equally grateful for your continued engagement and support. We’re proud to be part of a community of people who are equally committed to justice and freedom for all autonomous nonhuman beings.
Our hearing on behalf of the DeYoung chimpanzees is just one week from today. We hope you’ll tune in. Watch the hearing live on October 14th at 10:00 am ET via the Court’s YouTube channel.
With gratitude,
The NhRP
