12 healthy baboons killed in German zoo due to overcrowding, sparks outrage
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Nuremberg, Germany – The Nuremberg Zoo is facing severe criticism and legal challenges after it euthanised 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding in its enclosure, a move that animal rights groups have condemned as inhumane and unnecessary.
In a statement released Tuesday, the zoo explained that the decision was made after several failed attempts to rehome the animals and implement contraception measures to manage the growing troop.
The baboon population had swelled to 40, significantly exceeding the enclosure’s intended capacity of 25. Zoo officials said the resulting overcrowding had caused heightened aggression and frequent injuries among the animals.
"There was no other option," the zoo stated, noting that the situation had become unsustainable. The zoo had previously alerted the public in February 2024 about the potential need for such a step.
On Tuesday, the facility was closed to visitors due to what it called "operational reasons," which many speculate was related to the controversial euthanisation. Public reaction has been swift and fierce, with animal welfare organisations and citizens expressing their anger at what they view as poor planning and avoidable tragedy.
Pro Wildlife, a prominent animal rights group, slammed the zoo's decision and revealed it had filed a criminal complaint accusing the institution of violating animal protection laws.
"What we feared would happen, has," the group told DW News. "Healthy animals had to be killed because the zoo maintained irresponsible and unsustainable breeding policies for decades. This culling was avoidable and illegal in our opinion."
Echoing the growing public outrage, other animal rights groups have joined in calling for accountability and long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents.
Zoo director Dag Encke defended the decision, stating it was the result of “years-long consideration.” Speaking to the BBC, he said, “The culling of animals can be a legitimate last resort to preserve the population,” adding that the action complied with standards set by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Despite this justification, the zoo has yet to announce any definitive plan to prevent future overcrowding and culling. The controversy has sparked renewed debate across Europe on ethical standards in wildlife management and the responsibilities of modern zoos.
