Elephants Can't Sue for Freedom, Rules Colorado's Top Court

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Five elephants at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are not eligible for legal release, according to a ruling by Colorado's highest court.

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The case concerned African elephants that were born in the wild, Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou, and Jambo.

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Elephants' social needs and intelligence were the reasons given by the Nonhuman Rights Project (NRP) in their habeas corpus petition.

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Elephants do not have the legal standing to bring a habeas corpus claim, the court ruled.

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The NRP contended that keeping such clever animals in zoos could harm their brains.

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To improve their welfare, they aimed to relocate the elephants to recognized U.S. sanctuaries.

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Zoo was accused by the NRP of exaggerating instances in order to raise money.

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Animals have been denied human legal rights in similar decisions in New York, California, and Hawaii.

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The court indicated that legislative action might be necessary to amend animal rights.

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