Cecilia the Chimp has spent a long time in dreadful conditions in the Mendoza Zoo Argentina.
Now a judge has ruled that she has rights as a "Non-Human Person". She will be removed as a result, and will live out her days in a Primate sanctuary.
The President of The Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights (AFADA) says that: "The Habeas Corpus recognition means that the animals are not things anymore".......
http://www.seeker.com/zoo-chimp-has-...083850453.html
It is possible that this ruling will set a precedent which may lead to better treatment of many animals.