In what may be a first, an appeals court in Argentina has recognized a nonhuman as having basic legal rights. A Buenos Aires judge ruled in favor of advocates who are calling for more freedom for a 28-year-old orangutan who was born in a zoo.
The advocacy group filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on the orangutan's behalf, which would require proof of a justified detention.
Wired reports: "On Friday, an appeals court declared that Sandra, who is owned by the Buenos Aires Zoo, is a 'non-human person' who has been wrongfully deprived of her freedom."
In the ruling that was officially published Monday, the court says that by following a dynamic interpretation, "it is necessary to recognize that the animal is subject to rights, and should be protected," the AP says.
Pretty weird yes, but on the other hand, that would make Ted Cruz eligible to run for president of Argentina.
