We chat with Steven Wise, the central figure in the outstanding new documentary Unlocking the Cagethat will screen at the 2016 Melbourne International Film Festival.Unlocking the Cage follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. After thirty years of struggling with ineffective animal welfare laws, Steve and his legal team, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), are making history by filing the first lawsuits that seek to transform an animal from a thing with no rights to a person with legal protections.Supported by affidavits from primatologists around the world, Steve maintains that, based on scientific evidence, cognitively complex animals such as chimpanzees, whales, dolphins, and elephants have the capacity for limited personhood rights (such as bodily liberty) that would protect them from physical abuse. Using writs of habeas corpus (historically used to free humans from unlawful imprisonment), Wise argues on behalf of four captive chimpanzees in New York State.Nonhuman Rights Project www.nonhumanrightsproject.orgOfficial Unlocking the Cage documentary website www.unlockingthecagethefilm.comSave the Chimps sanctuary www.savethechimps.orgPhoto courtesy of “Unlocking the Cage” filmmakers.
A weekly show hosted by Melbourne-based animal advocates, presenting local and international interviews, presentations, and music from this vibrant social justice movement. The show is broadcast on 3CR Community Radio 855AM
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We feature a talk by Dr Andrew Knight, recorded at a recent Animal Justice Party seminar in Melbourne. Andrew describes how he got to where he is today – setting up a new centre for animal welfare at the University …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 26 June 2016
On today’s FoS show we’re talking total liberation, countering the mainstream vegan narrative and community building with guests Claire and Jesse. We discuss their personal journeys into activism and the founding of The Raven Corps, Cool Kids Snack Cakes …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 22 March 2026
It’s 3CR Subscriber Week 2026! Listen in as we cram the most Freedom Of Species hosts physically possible into the 3CR studio to help play animal trivia with the listeners, in an effort to gain more subscribers. If you are not …continue
Proudly brought to you by: 15 February 2026
