Blog Leader: No Orangutan Writ of Habeas Corpus/ Orangutang Declared a Person

Although they are the shortest articles we have read for class, in my opinion these are some of the most interesting as they focus on human animal equality rather than just the relationship between the two. The first of the articles, No Orangutan Writ of Habeas Corpus written by Wesley J. Smith, focuses on the belief that although Animals are entitled fair treatment they are not on par with humans. Twice in his article Smith alludes to this by using the phrase "human exceptionalism" to refer certain life aspects that are strictly human. An example of this is slavery, which Smith refers to in the description of the lawsuit filed by PETA against SeaWorld. On a rhetorical level, I feel as though he attempts to influence the readers opinion by describing the concept of orangutan rights as ludicrous in the first paragraph as well using terms such as "go radical" and italicizing the words "one judge" and "one person" to show how activists are grasping at straws to try and make this happen. I side with Smith in that I believe there are distinct differences between apes and humans, yet I also feel as though an animal capable of showing human level emotion and behavior deserves to have some basic rights. The one question I have is at what point would an animal cross that threshold and be considered worthy of having these basic rights?

 

The second article entitled Orangutan Declared a 'Person' by Argentine Court was written by PETA member Alisa Mullins exactly one month after the first. This article describes how the orangutan Sandra from the previous article was eventually granted citizenship following a habeas corpus petition filed by the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights.  Mullins makes use of ethos in her article by describing how orangutans behave similarly to humans and make use of tools. She further strengthens this argument by citing University of Manchester researcher Roland Ennos, who explains how the animals use engineering skills when constructing their nests. I feel as though I side with Mullins' argument more than the one made by Smith partially due to a bias I have with Orangutans having been my favorite animal for many years but also due to the fact that I believe it is against the animals nature to be confined as was described. As Mullins notes, orangutans in total confinement are denied the ability to engage in natural activities that are essential to their development. Not all zoos are like this, however. An example would be the Indianapolis Zoo which I visited this last October. In addition to a heated indoor facility for the animals, there is a large metal structure resembling a roller coaster track that allows the orangutans to swing freely above a large section of the zoo. While different in appearance, I do believe that orangutans are similar enough to humans in behavior to be entitled some basic rights.