Paviane in Nuremberg: Shoot threatens - animal protection protectionists raise the alarm!

Paviane in Nuremberg: Shoot threatens - animal protection protectionists raise the alarm!

The situation in the Nuremberg zoo is heading, because the zoo is faced with a serious problem: the overpopulation of Guinea pavians. With currently over 40 animals in an enclosure that is actually only designed for 25, the pressure on the furnishings is huge. Zoo Director Dag Encke has repeatedly emphasized that the pavian's keeping in its current form can no longer be approved. The zoo has been trying to control the population for years, but so far without sustainable success. Various measures, including the administration of contraceptives to the female animals, were taken, but the results failed to materialize. This method was able to disturb the group's social structure so badly that it was ultimately stopped, as [Br.de] (https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/pavianein-in-nuernburg-gitt-wheßliche ,uqepxh5).

In the meantime, those responsible are facing a difficult decision. In the hope of finding a solution, the zoo has linked contacts to various facilities in Great Britain, Austria and India. So far, however, there has been no concrete agreement. So far, a takeover has not been able to come about, which also complicated the situation. The animal welfare organization Pro Wildlife is also concerned and plans to take legal action if the decision should be made to shoot the animals. She relies on the Animal Welfare Act, which forbids the killing of vertebrates without a reasonable reason and criticizes the zoo for lack of planning and too low engines.

progress and setbacks in population management

In February 2024, the Tiergarten Nuremberg made the topic of "population management at Pavianen" public and asked for takeover offers. So far, according to [zooGern.nuernberg.de] (https://tiergarten.nuernberg.de/zoopissen-co/intergrundinformations/sumen-und-fakten-aus-dem-tiergarten/population-haeuftige- questions) no concrete solutions have emerged. Places were offered in four different countries, but none of these offers meet the necessary posture standards. The zoo needs precise information about the size of the enclosure, temperature management and the social competence of the facilities that Paviane want to record.

• Germany/Great Britain: Reports of offers from the Great Ape Project or the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary have proven to be incorrect. Inquiries often remained unanswered, and reporting on these cooperation contributes to uncertainty.
• India: An Indian zoo has no longer shown any specific interest in the Guinea pavians because basic information is missing.
• Slovenia: Here an offer was introduced as unsuitable for the animals.
• Austria: An animal shelter has so far provided no relevant information on housing conditions.

The challenges seem great. The zoo is aware that sustainable solutions must be found in the sense of animal welfare. An attempt is made to go ethical and legal ways. The company is part of the European conservation breeding program (EEP), which aims to avoid inbreeding and to promote genetic health while ensuring that stable animal populations are preserved, as [gerati.de] (https://gerati.de/2025/04/population management-in-nuernberg-bsed/)

So there are important decisions on the table. One solution could be in an in relation of the animals, but the time is urgent, and those responsible are under pressure to make the best possible decisions - both in terms of animal welfare and to ensure the well -being of the animals.