`` Great ape '' is a common name rather than a taxonomic label and there are differences in usage . Subtly , it may seem to exclude human beings ( `` humans and the great apes '' ) or to include them ( `` humans and non-human great apes '' ) . Due to the close genetic relationship between humans and other great apes , certain animal rights organizations , such as the Great Ape Project , argue that non-human great apes are persons and should be given basic human rights .