Chimpanzee rights

Knowing what I know about the other four great ape species (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans -- I say "the other four" deliberately, since humans rightfully belong in this group), I have long believed that they should not be lumped in with the other "lower animals", but rather considered surviving forms of primitive man. This court case in Austria may establish a basis for extending at least some "human rights" to a chimpanzee who is in danger of being turned over to a vivisection laboratory. Witnesses in the cases include Jane Goodall, the world's leading expert on chimpanzees.

Found via Sentient Developments, which makes the cogent point that personhood and not quasi-human status should be the deciding factor.