Sandra the Orangutan Granted ‘Legal Personhood’ in Landmark Case Settles Into New Home

Sandra is settling into her new home nicely. The orangutan that was granted ‘legal personhood’ by an Argentina judge in 2015, is now safe at home in Florida.

Sandra, 33, was taken to the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida. Sandra was born in Germany and spent 25 years at the Buenos Aires Zoo until it closed in 2016. She came to the United States in September and was kept in Kansas until she was allowed to move into her new home.

A judge declared Sandra was legally a nonhuman being, and therefore entitled to legal rights and better living conditions based on her status. The judge chose the Florida sanctuary for the animal after considering other home options.

According to center director Patti Ragan, Sandra is adjusting nicely to her home. “She was shy when she first arrived, but once she saw the swings, toys, and grassy areas in her new home, she went out to explore. She has met her caregivers here and is adjusting well to the new climate, environment, and the other great apes at the Center,” Ragan said, “This is the first time in over a decade that Sandra has had the opportunity to meet other orangutans, and she will meet them when she chooses. It is a new freedom for her, and one we are grateful to provide.”

Sandra’s legal status is a big victory for animals and Animal rights groups that often fight for this for other animals. The Nonhuman Rights Project, for instance, is hard at work fighting to obtain legal rights for animals. That’s why Sandra’s story is such a victory. It offers a glimpse of hope in these battles.

The Florida center is home to 21 orangutans and 31 chimpanzees that have been rescued from stage shows, circuses or the exotic pet trade. It’s also home to Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee, Bubbles.

Read more related stories on One Green Planet:

• After Living in Solitary Confinement in a Zoo for 20 Years, Sandra the Orangutan Gets a New Home
• Orangutan Held in Argentina Zoo for Over 20 Years Deemed ‘Non-Human Person’ and Granted Freedom
• Orangutans Are Suffering in Indonesian Fires Right Now Due to Palm Oil Deforestation!
• Beautiful Moment 2 Rescued Orangutans Return to the Wild After Years of Rehabilitation (VIDEO)
• Baby Orangutan Kept as a Pet in Wire Cage is Rescued and Has Beautiful Transformation!
• You Can Save Orangutans From Extinction By Standing Up to Dirty Palm Oil!

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