Here’s one for the animal rights activists out there.

Tommy is a 26-year old chimpanzee, and he is currently living in a cage in a trailer park in New York state. He is retired from the circus, but is making a show again in the news.

“Activists pursue a landmark lawsuit for him to be the first animal to be declared a person – with the same rights as humans – under US law.”

It is being argued that Tommy should have the same rights as people, such as freedom from captivity. Stephen Wise, a lawyer, heads up the Nonhuman Rights Project which is supporting the chimp.

They are hoping that Tommy will be able to live the rest of his life in a primate sanctuary in sunny Florida.

“The much-anticipated test case would set a significant legal precedent across the field of animal rights and touches on fundamental ethical and practical questions about differences between humans and other animals.”

Dame Jane Goodall is even involved, having written an affidavit.

Tommy’s owner, Patrick Lavery, has previously argued that “Tommy is a happy pet who has ‘really got it good’ and that his shed is in fact a luxurious $150,000 facility”. Lavery has argued that Tommy has colour TV, cable and a stereo, and that he likes being by himself.

“He’s got a lot of enrichment.”

Unfortunately, the judge rejected the case.

Poor Tommy. He seems to have no chance of finding an old lady chimp to have some fun with in his old age.

Check out The Telegraph