In protest: Advocates have launched an online petition to move a 50-year-old chimpanzee living alone in Baton Rouge’s Dixie Landin’ to Chimp Haven, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Keithville, Louisiana. The USA Today Network reports the chimpanzee, named Candy, has lived in solitary confinement for 40 years, first at Fun Fair Park and then at Dixie Landin’, which opened in the ’90s. Both parks are owned Samuel Haynes Jr. and his family. As of 12:30 p.m. today, the petition had 2,313 signatures. This isn’t the first time Candy’s life at Dixie Landin has become an issue. The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in November against Haynes and the amusement park to have Candy moved. Primate expert Jane Goodall also weighed in on Candy’s case, saying that “I strongly recommend that (Candy) be introduced to other chimpanzees in a setting more suitable to her psychological enhancement,” according to the lawsuit. Read the full story.
Winding down: The nomination and application deadline for the sixth annual LSU 100: Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses is Tuesday, May 31. Hosted by the LSU Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, the LSU 100 is a competitive program that seeks to identify and recognize the 100 fastest growing alumni-owned or led businesses in the world. LSU 100 also provides a forum to pass lessons on to next generation of entrepreneurs attending the university. A dinner will take place on Oct. 13 at the L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge. Get more information.
Tension: An LGBT rights anti-discrimination order issued by Gov. John Bel Edwards has “no binding legal effect,” according to opinion released today by Attorney General Jeff Landry’s office. The Associated Press reports the opinion is expected to exacerbate tensions between two of Louisiana’s top elected leaders. Edwards issued the order in April, banning discrimination in state government based on sexual orientation and gender identity. State contracts also were required to comply, except contractors that are religious organizations. In a statement, Edwards says Landry has overstepped his authority and is attempting to “erode the constitutionally granted executive order power of the governor.” He also accused the attorney general of disrupting the work of state agencies. Read the full story.
