Baboons Killed at Nuremberg Zoo Due to Lack of Space
- Nejla Kılınç
- Aug 1
- 1 min read
A zoo in Nuremberg, Germany, has confirmed that it euthanized 12 baboons due to insufficient space for the growing troop.
Deputy Director Jörg Beckmann stated that non-pregnant baboons not involved in scientific studies were selected and killed by gunshot. After tissue samples were collected for research purposes, the carcasses were fed to predators housed at the zoo.
The controversial decision was carried out despite protests from animal rights activists. Police reported that seven activists climbed over the zoo’s perimeter wall but were apprehended just a few meters inside the grounds.
The zoo had already announced its intentions back in February 2024, citing space constraints. Officials explained they had explored relocation offers for the baboons but none came to fruition.
The Guinea baboon population at the zoo had reached 43, while the enclosure—built in 2009—was originally designed to house just 25 adults and their offspring. This overcrowding led to heightened aggression and conflict within the group.
Source: Euronews/AP
