Court Denies Petition To Have Chimp Elevated To Human Status

January 17, 2008 3:05 p.m. EST

Vienna, Austria (AHN) - The Austrian Supreme Court denied a petition by a British woman to have her chimpanzee elevated to human status.

Paula Stibbe, who assumed guardianship over Hiasl, a chimp who was left money by an unidentified benefactor to ensure his future after the animal house he used to call home went bankrupt, argued the ape should enjoy the same rights as any human child as Hiasl loves watching TV, playing games, on top of his being very affectionate.

"He likes watching the TV and videos and playing games like any child, and can use signs and gestures to say what he wants. Of course he has the right to be recognized as an individual," said Stibbe. "Anyone who spends time with him as I do will see that he has every right to be classified as a person. He is perfectly capable of communicating his needs."

"He is affectionate and in many ways behaves little different from a child - he plays and has fun and can be sad as well when he does not get what he wants."

Stibbe also stated in her petition that she wants the chimp to be granted human status and become his legal guardian to make sure the chimp's money is managed properly.

However, in denying Stibbe's petition, the Austrian Supreme Court declared a chimpanzee can never be a human in the eyes of the law.