The Colorado Supreme Court ruled on January 22, 2025, that five elephants at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are not considered people under the law. The ruling followed a habeas corpus petition filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project (NRP), which sought to transfer the elephants to an elephant sanctuary, arguing they were effectively imprisoned.
- Court rules elephants are not people.
- NRP sought freedom for five elephants.
- Habeas corpus claim denied for animals.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo defends elephant care.
- Ruling viewed as injustice by NRP.
- Previous case involved an elephant named Happy.
The case centered around Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou, and Jambo, who were described as emotionally complex animals. NRP claimed these elephants showed signs of trauma and chronic stress while living in captivity. They argued for their right to freedom based on their intelligence and social sophistication.
In its decision, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously affirmed a lower court’s ruling that stated the state’s habeas corpus laws apply exclusively to human beings. Justice Maria Berkenkotter emphasized that this conclusion stands regardless of how cognitively advanced or socially aware nonhuman animals may be.
- The court ruled 6-0 in favor of maintaining existing legal definitions regarding personhood.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo defended its care for the elephants, labeling NRP’s lawsuit as frivolous.
- This ruling follows a similar case involving an elephant named Happy in New York City.
Following the ruling, NRP expressed disappointment and highlighted ongoing challenges in advocating for animal rights. They characterized the decision as perpetuating injustice by denying liberty rights to nonhuman animals. This case reflects broader discussions about animal welfare and legal recognition across various jurisdictions.
This recent court decision underscores ongoing debates about animal rights and legal personhood. As public awareness grows regarding animal intelligence and emotional capacity, similar cases may arise in other jurisdictions seeking changes in how laws define personhood for nonhuman species.
