In Argentina: article
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I find it interesting that they argued on the basis of emotions rather than more cognitive mental and social functions such as morals and ethics. If emotions alone are the basis of freedom, then all animals should have the "human right" to freedom. This is, of course, the ground work that some of the more extreme groups are looking for. To me, it seems to be the first very small step in a war against zoos and other preservation facilities.
In a landmark ruling that could pave the way for more lawsuits, the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights (AFADA) argued the ape had sufficient cognitive functions and should not be treated as an object.
The lawyers said that while Sandra was not identical to humans biologically, she was in fact like humans emotionally, and would be happier living in a semi-wild habitat.