I don't think anyone believes that chimps are "nearly human," regardless of the percentage of genetic material we have in common. I don't think the PETA people can go very far just citing percentages. It's that different 1% which makes us human, and without it the chimps just don't qualify.
Besides, when it comes to being human, genetics is only part of the story. Hillary and Margaret Thatcher both have 100% human genetic material. Yet Hillary isn't even "barely human."
ROFL! That ones a keeper PH.