Elephant in New York State Causing Massive, Heated Debate

The fact that this even got 2 votes in favor, is mind-boggling to me.

Now, I get both sides to the debate, but there is definitely only one clear answer to the question at hand: is an elephant a human?

Animal rights groups were trying to get the court to side with them to declare that Happy the Elephant, who lives at the Bronx Zoo, is a human. The court ruled 5-2 and said that, in fact, Happy the Elephant is not human, therefore, is not being illegally detained. According to BBC, here is what Chief Justice Janet DiFiore said:

While no one disputes the impressive capabilities of elephants, we reject petitioner's arguments that it is entitled to seek the remedy of habeas corpus on Happy's behalf," wrote Chief Judge Janet DiFiore on behalf of the majority.

There are always animal rights groups who believe that animals should not be in zoos. While there is a point, I do think that we often forget the importance of zoos across the country. Zoos educate people and give people an appreciation for animals. Most importantly though, zoos across the United States are in an alliance to help breed and grow the population of animals. For instance, at the Buffalo Zoo, Luna the polar bear that was born here got her mate from a different zoo. These programs help the animal populations worldwide, which, may not have the help to grow.

You can go visit the Buffalo Zoo every single day (even in the Winter). Right now, the hours are 10 am - 4 pm.