Dear John,
This morning the NhRP appeared before the Michigan Court of Appeals to argue for freedom and sanctuary for seven chimpanzees held captive at the DeYoung Family Zoo. This is the first case of its kind in Michigan—and a pivotal moment in the growing movement to recognize nonhuman animals’ right to liberty.
During the hearing, NhRP Senior Staff Attorney Jake Davis urged the Court to protect the autonomy of the DeYoung chimpanzees, drawing on scientific and legal precedent and the legacy of Tommy—the first chimpanzee the NhRP represented, who ultimately died in captivity at the DeYoung Family Zoo precisely because he was considered a rightless “thing.”
“We appreciate the Court’s serious and rigorous engagement with our arguments today,” said Christopher Berry, Executive Director of the NhRP. “The core question now before the Court is whether the protection of autonomy will remain a supreme judicial value in Michigan or whether the protection of the autonomy of the chimpanzees confined in the DeYoung Family Zoo doesn’t matter simply because they’re chimpanzees.”
The Court’s questions showed deep engagement with the issues at stake. We expect a decision in the coming weeks or months.
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You can hear directly from some of the local advocates who attended the hearing and reflected on its importance in this short video, and read and share Michigan Advance’s detailed local coverage of the hearing here.
As we await the Court’s decision, the NhRP team remains hopeful the Michigan courts will ensure justice is done and grant the chimpanzees relief from their unlawful confinement. Thank you for standing with us in this historic fight! With gratitude, The NhRP |
