The Tiergarten Nürnberg Zoo in southern Germany is facing mounting backlash after confirming it euthanized 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding concerns.
Zoo officials said the decision came after their baboon population ballooned to 40 — far exceeding the enclosure’s intended capacity of 25. According to reports from DW News, the BBC, and the Associated Press, the growing numbers led to increased aggression and injuries among the baboons.
The zoo first announced plans to reduce its baboon population in February 2024, citing both space limitations and failed attempts to relocate the animals to other facilities. Zoos they previously partnered with, including those in Paris and China, had no room, and expanding the enclosure or releasing the baboons into the wild were deemed unviable options.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(751x0:753x2):format(webp)/Guinea-baboon-073025-1-55d9a541419b42d98fa347106bea8382.jpg)
Despite introducing contraceptive measures, the baboon population continued to grow. When all other alternatives failed, zoo officials said culling was the last resort. None of the euthanized animals were pregnant or part of ongoing research, the zoo confirmed. Their remains were later used to feed predators within the zoo.
Animal rights groups, including Pro Wildlife, have condemned the decision. In a statement to DW News, the organization criticized the zoo’s long-standing breeding practices as “irresponsible and unsustainable.” They, along with other advocacy groups, have filed a criminal complaint against the zoo, accusing management of violating animal protection laws.
The outrage spilled over into protests, with seven activists scaling the zoo’s walls on July 29. One protester glued her hands to the ground in an act of civil disobedience before the group was detained by police.
Despite the backlash, zoo director Dag Encke defended the move during a press conference, calling the culling the result of “years of consideration.” He insisted it was in line with the policies of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and necessary to preserve the health and safety of the remaining baboons.
The Tiergarten Nürnberg Zoo has not responded to further requests for comment.
