Outrage in Germany after zoo euthanizes 12 baboons due to overcrowding

By Erbil Basay

BERLIN (AA) - The euthanization of 12 healthy Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo has triggered widespread public anger and legal backlash in Germany, after the facility said it was unable to accommodate the animals due to space limitations.

In a statement, the zoo confirmed that its baboon enclosure was designed for a maximum of 25 animals and that the population had exceeded this capacity.

The decision to cull the animals, it said, followed “years of evaluation and exploration of alternative solutions.”

Acknowledging the public’s dismay, the zoo added: “We are aware of this. However, this step was unavoidable.”

Animal rights organizations have condemned the move.

Ilona Wojahn, chair of the Bavarian Branch of the German Animal Welfare Federation, said she was shocked by the killing of the baboons. “Animal rights are being trampled on in Nuremberg.”

Paulina Kuhn, the association’s wildlife coordinator, described the killings as unjustified, saying: “There was no reasonable justification.”

She confirmed that a criminal complaint would be filed, citing breaches of the Animal Welfare Act.

Pro Wildlife and the German Society for Animal Welfare Law (DJGT) have also taken legal action against the zoo’s management.

“These killings could have been prevented. In our view, this is illegal,” said Laura Zodrow, spokesperson for Pro Wildlife.

She accused the zoo of failing to pursue viable alternatives, such as relocating the baboons to a sanctuary or expanding their enclosure.

“At the same time, the zoo is investing millions of euros to acquire new animals. This double standard is unacceptable,” she added.