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Baboons in Nuremberg: imminent to be shot down - zoo suffers from lack of space!
In the Nuremberg Zoo, the surplus baboons are threatened with being shot down; the zoo is desperately seeking solutions to population control.
Baboons in Nuremberg: imminent to be shot down - zoo suffers from lack of space!
An explosive decision is pending in the Nuremberg Zoo: Over 40 baboons live there, while the enclosure is only designed for 25 animals. Zoo director Dag Encke warns that keeping these animals will no longer be permitted if the situation does not change soon. The zoo has been trying to limit the baboon population for years, but so far the efforts have been largely unsuccessful until control through contraceptives, which only have a temporary effect, severely disrupted the structure of the animals' social community. The rush in this regard is already mad and good solutions seem to be a long way off. BR reports, the zoo's new approaches to relinquishing the animals are also running into obstacles.
The search for a new home for the baboons has been going on since February 2024, when the topic of “population management of baboons” was made public. During this time, the zoo has received numerous takeover requests from four different countries. Unfortunately, there have so far been no concrete offers that meet the strict requirements for keeping conditions. All applications are currently being closely scrutinized, with information about facility size, temperature management and keeper qualifications being crucial, as explained on the zoo's website ( Nuremberg Zoo ). The pressure on the zoo is growing because the lack of space is unsustainable in the long term.
Offers and remaining options
One thing is clear: so far all takeover attempts seem to have come to nothing. An offer from an Indian zoo was rejected due to a lack of information, and the applications from Slovenia were also not suitable for the Guinea baboons. An Austrian animal shelter also did not provide any useful information in response to inquiries.
Additionally, there have been reports of inquiries made to well-known institutions in the UK, including the Great Ape Project and the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary. However, there was no feedback, so the zoo now has to watch as the situation escalates. Several offers failed because they did not provide sufficient information about the housing conditions. BR reports that Pro Wildlife, an animal protection organization, is already planning to file criminal charges if the baboons are ultimately shot. This organization cites the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the killing of vertebrates without good reason, and criticizes the zoo's long inaction regarding the space problem.
What happens next?
It currently remains to be seen what options the zoo can explore to save the baboons. A date for a possible removal is still pending and time is of the essence. Dag Encke defends himself against the allegations and emphasizes the positive contribution of baboon breeding to the preservation of the species. But the critics are not letting up. The ball is now in the zoo's court, and the next steps are crucial for the well-being of the animals and the reputation of the institution.