Nuremberg Zoo Culls 12 Baboons Amidst Protests and Animal Welfare Debate
Nuremberg, Germany – The Tiergarten Nürnberg zoo proceeded with the controversial culling of 12 baboons on Tuesday, a decision that concluded a protracted saga stemming from overcrowding and met with significant public outcry and protests. the zoo had announced its intention to reduce the baboon population in February 2024, citing a lack of adequate space for its expanding group of animals.
Despite exploring various options, including offers from other institutions, the zoo stated that it was unable to secure placements for the excess animals.This led to protests at the zoo,with animal protection groups vehemently opposing the planned killings. On Monday, the zoo indicated preparations for the culling would commence, and on Tuesday morning, it temporarily closed its doors for “operational reasons.”
Later that afternoon, police reported that seven activists had breached the zoo’s perimeter, with one individual reportedly gluing their hands to the ground. The group was apprehended shortly after entering the premises.
Following these events, the zoo confirmed the culling of 12 baboons. Deputy Director Jörg Beckmann explained that the selected animals were not pregnant females or part of ongoing research. The animals were euthanized by shooting, with samples collected for research.The remains were slated to be used as food for the zoo’s predators.
Zoo Director Dag Encke emphasized that the decision followed “yearslong consideration,” asserting its necessity to maintain a healthy population and comply with animal protection laws. He argued that the unmanageable growth of the baboon group, exceeding the capacity of their enclosure and lacking alternative solutions, had created a conflict with legal requirements.
Animal rights organizations have responded by filing a criminal complaint against the zoo’s management. Thay contend that the killings themselves contravene animal protection laws and that the zoo failed in its breeding management responsibilities. Laura Zodrow, a spokesperson for Pro Wildlife, stated that the culling was “avoidable and, from our point of view, is unlawful.”
The Guinea baboon population at the Nuremberg zoo had reached 43, considerably exceeding the capacity of a 2009 enclosure designed for 25 animals plus offspring. This overcrowding had reportedly led to increased inter-animal conflict.
The zoo highlighted past efforts to manage the population, including the relocation of 16 baboons to zoos in Paris and China since 2011. Though, these institutions, along with a Spanish zoo that previously housed baboons from Nuremberg, had reached their own capacity limits. An attempt at contraception several years prior was also discontinued due to a lack of efficacy.
The practice of euthanizing animals in european zoos for various reasons is not uncommon. Past incidents, such as the 2014 culling of a giraffe at Copenhagen Zoo, which was subsequently dissected in front of visitors and fed to lions, have also sparked public outrage.
