Nuremberg Zoo plans to kill baboons – strong criticism!

Nuremberg Zoo plans to kill baboons – strong criticism!

There's a lot of turmoil in the Nuremberg zoo: the decision to kill some Guinea baboons has caused a stir. The zoo management plans to reduce the population for animal welfare reasons as the group has now become too large. How Antenna Bavaria reported, the social structures of the approximately 45 animals can be classified as unfavorable. Conflict and hurt within the group could result if no action is taken.

Currently, the lack of space remains a major obstacle to suitable accommodation in other facilities. The zoo has already announced in 2024 that it will reduce the number of baboons, but the search for asylum for the animals has so far been unsuccessful. BR24 emphasizes that the killing of individual animals should also be carried out in the interests of genetic diversity. This strategy is based on natural patterns where the death of individual animals regulates the population.

A controversial decision

Responsibility for these controversial plans lies with the zoo management, which weighs all relevant animal welfare, nature conservation and criminal law aspects. However, no time frame is provided for these decisions. The zoo will provide information about possible killings and will also take into account that pregnant females are excluded from killing. A really difficult decision is being made that has a bitter aftertaste.

Animal protection organizations such as Pro Wildlife are critical of the project and are threatening criminal charges because they view the killing as a violation of the Animal Protection Act. They also complain that the killing plans are irresponsible and are calling for a stop to breeding. In a broader context, a comment on the Animal Welfare Act suggests that killing and feeding zoo animals could potentially become illegal in the future.

Animal protection in focus

The current debate about animal protection also raises the question of how zoos can deal with overpopulation without resorting to extreme measures. At another zoo, the Augsburg Zoo, these killings are seen as a last option. Here, contraception and the formation of single-sex groups are used to counteract the overpopulation.

The Bundestag has already discussed a bill that aims to improve animal protection and close legal loopholes. Despite the approaches that affect the animal welfare situation, there remains resistance from some interest groups who do not see practical solutions in implementing the changes. The pressure on the Nuremberg Zoo to find a more humane solution is growing.

In times when animal protection should be a top priority, society is hoping for a good hand from those responsible at the Nuremberg Zoo. It remains to be hoped that the path to a better future for Guinea baboons will be found before the actual killing takes place.