By Alice Popovici NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. animal-rights advocates on Wednesday called on a New York court to order a state university to release two adult chimpanzee research subjects, contending that their captivity amounts to unlawful imprisonment. The Nonhuman Rights Project argued before a New York State Supreme Court acting justice that the chimpanzees, named Hercules and Leo, are entitled to legal protection, noting that the species has demonstrated language skills and the ability to pass on culture to younger generations. "They're self-conscious," said Steven Wise, president of the group, which has sued Stony Brook University, located about 50 miles (80 km) east of New York City, seeking the chimps' release.
Animal rights group asks New York judge to free research chimps
