When a Monkey Picked Up a Camera, the Law Had to Catch Up THE WILDEST COPYRIGHT CASE YOU’LL EVER HEAR
In 2011, deep in the jungles of Sulawesi, Indonesia, a crested macaque named Naruto did something unforgettable: He picked up wildlife photographer David Slater’s camera and snapped a series of self-portraits, now known around the world as the “ monkey selfies. ” Whether it was curiosity or a mischievous instinct, those photos became a viral sensation and eventually sparked one of the weirdest legal battles in copyright history. Who really took the picture? This legal drama didn’t begin over “cute animal photos.” It was about who owns the copyright when a monkey takes the photo? Slater, who had traveled to Indonesia and set up the camera, argued that he deserved the copyright because he engineered the situation that made the shots possible. In 2015, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed a lawsuit on Naruto’s behalf to claim copyright, arguing that the monkey should
own the rights to the photos and that any proceeds should benefit Naruto and other crested macaques. The lawsuit hinged on a bold argument: If copyright law grants protections to any “author,” then why not one who captured the image, even if that author is furry and swings from trees? Courts rule animals don’t get copyrights. A federal judge dismissed PETA’s claim, ruling that animals can’t own copyrights. The U.S. Copyright Office echoed this, stating that works created by nonhumans aren’t eligible for copyright protection. In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals cemented that view: Naruto and, by extension, other animals lack legal standing to own copyright. Humans reach a compromise. Rather than let the legal fight drag on, Slater and PETA reached a settlement in 2017. Under it, Slater agreed to donate
25% of future revenue from the monkey selfie images to wildlife conservation groups protecting crested macaques and their habitat. This oddball case forced lawmakers and other humans to grapple with questions about how far the law should go in recognizing the rights of nonhumans. In the end, a smiling macaque taught the world something about the limits of human law and gave us an epic selfie to remember it by.
The Case for Slowing Down ARE KIDS TOO BUSY THESE DAYS?
In today’s go-go-go culture, it’s easy for kids’ schedules to fill up fast. Soccer on Mondays, piano on Tuesdays, tutoring on Wednesdays. With all that, it can feel like you’re setting them up for success. But when every free moment is booked, that packed calendar can do more harm than good. Overscheduling doesn’t just make kids busy; it can make them feel overwhelmed. Constant activity makes an impact. Kids who move from one activity to the next without a break often live in a constant state
of “hurry.” Even if they enjoy what they’re doing, the pressure to perform, be on time, and meet expectations can pile up. Over time, that stress may show up as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or frequent meltdowns. Some kids struggle to explain how they feel, so instead of saying “I’m overwhelmed,” they might complain of headaches or stomachaches or seem unusually emotional. Sleep and energy take a hit. When practices run late, and homework stretches into the night, sleep is often the first thing sacrificed. Lack of rest can affect focus, memory, and emotional control. A child who isn’t getting enough sleep may have trouble paying attention in class, managing frustration, or staying healthy. Rest is essential for growing bodies and brains! Free time makes a difference. Unstructured time can look unproductive, but it plays a huge role in development. When kids have time to play, daydream,
or invent their own fun, they’re learning creativity, independence, and problem- solving skills. Free time allows them to decompress and process their experiences, something structured activities don’t always provide. Without it, kids miss out on learning how to entertain themselves and regulate their emotions. Burnout can steal the joy. One of the biggest ironies of overscheduling is burnout. Activities that once felt exciting can start to feel like chores. Kids may lose interest not because they dislike the activity but because they’re exhausted. When everything feels mandatory, joy can fade, and that can dampen motivation and confidence. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate activities, it’s about balance. Leaving room for rest, family time, and simple fun helps kids recharge and reconnect with what they enjoy. Sometimes, doing less allows children to grow more emotionally, socially, and mentally.
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