In recent years, advocates for animal welfare have pursued legal rights for animals in the courts. Tommy and Kiko are chimpanzees who were once famous for their appearance in Hollywood films. Both now live in captivity in small cages—conditions that are far from optimal relative to what a flourishing life for a chimpanzee would look like. Hercules and Leo are chimpanzees who have been the subject of invasive medical research and experimentation for their entire lives, nearly a decade. Advocates for these animals argue that it is morally wrong to view them as mere property. There should be some legal recognition of their rights.
Continue reading “Should Chimpanzees be Granted Legal Personhood?”