Judge lets chimpanzee Robby stay in circus
November 8, 2018
A German court on Thursday ruled that a 47-year-old circus chimpanzee called Robby should spend the rest of his days among people, rather than with other apes.
Zoo-born Robby has lived with circus owner Klaus Köhler and his family since the age of three, and the question of whether he would be better off at an ape rehabilitation facility has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle.
The decision in the Higher Administrative Court in Lüneburg means he will stay put.
"I'm glad that I can keep my child," the circus boss told reporters after the ruling was handed down.
Read more: Do animals belong in the circus ring?
Troubled ape
The lawsuit stemmed from a 2015 order by local authorities in Celle. The northern city argued that Robby should be sent to a rescue center specializing in re-socializing apes because he suffered serious behavioral problems as a result of living with people. That order was confirmed by the Lüneburg Administrative Court in April last year.
The judges presiding over Thursday's decision acknowledged that although Robby undoubtedly suffered serious behavioral disruptions, that did not mean he should be handed over to a facility.
Read more: Animal entertainment: Tradition or cruel sport?
Lesser of two evils
The court said local authorities in Celle had failed to take into account the advanced age of the animal and the dangers associated with undergoing what could potentially be years of rehabilitation. The judges also pointed out that Robby would only be exposed to a few animals at a re-socializing facility — also a less than ideal situation.
The court heard testimony from veterinarian Pierre Grothmann, who said the male ape was lacking social skills and could not live without typical behaviors, including sexual interactions with other chimps. But Köhler argued taking Robby out of his current environment would be more damaging.
"Robby knows no apes, only humans — we are the conspecifics for him," Köhler said, adding that his family spent several hours a day with the chimp.
Animal rights groups voiced disappointment over the verdict. Activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) protested outside the courthouse, while welfare organization Four Paws appealed to the German government to ban wild animals from circuses. Robby is considered to be one of the last great circus apes in Germany.
Read more: Retire the elephants, animal rights groups demand
nm/aw (dpa, AFP)