Court Rules Bronx Zoo Elephant Is Not A “Person”

The Associated Press reports:

New York’s top court rejected an effort to free Happy the elephant from the Bronx Zoo, ruling Tuesday in a closely watched case that she does not meet the definition of a “person” who is being illegally confined.

The 5-2 decision by the state Court of Appeals affirms an earlier court decision and means Happy will not be released through a habeas corpus proceeding, which is a way for people to challenge illegal confinement.

The zoo and its supporters warned that a win for advocates at the Nonhuman Rights Project could open the door to more legal actions on behalf of animals, including pets and other species in zoos.

Read the full article.