Predators Attacking and Killing Baboons within the Zoo's Enclosure - Zoo worker, identified as Pavia, slain for supplying animals to carnivorous exhibits
Controversy Surrounds Nuremberg Zoo's Culling of Baboons
A controversial decision by the Nuremberg Zoo to cull 12 healthy Guinea baboons has sparked outrage and protests, with animal rights groups and the public questioning the zoo's actions.
The cull, which took place on July 29, 2025, was carried out due to overcrowding in the baboon enclosure. The enclosure had been overcrowded for a long time, making it impossible to maintain a humane living environment. Despite years of attempting alternatives, such as offering baboons for transfer to other zoos and applying contraceptives, no viable solutions were found.
The baboons were euthanized by shooting them in a transport crate following animal welfare regulations. Their muscle meat was used to feed the zoo's predators, while samples were provided to research institutions. The heads, hands, and feet were removed out of respect for the zoo's visitors.
The decision to cull the baboons has been defended by the zoo's director, Dag Encke, as a last resort after years of consideration and compliance with European zoo association standards. However, activists have condemned the cull as unethical, with some even attempting to intervene during the process, resulting in detainments for trespassing.
Organizations such as Pro Wildlife have joined the criticism, labelling the cull as unethical. The controversy has led to a three-digit number of complaints being filed with the Nuremberg-Fürth public prosecutor's office, who are currently investigating the matter.
The protest camp set up by the group "Animal Rebellion" near the zoo is expected to remain in place until next Monday. They aim to prevent any further killing of primates and stop breeding at the zoo.
The Nuremberg Zoo maintains transparency regarding their actions and stands by their communication. They argue that feeding the baboons to predators is beneficial for the dental health of the predators, as their bodies with fur and bones are better for this purpose than any other feed.
Four of the fed baboon skeletons will be prepared for a museum. The investigation and controversy surrounding the Nuremberg Zoo's decision to cull the baboons is ongoing, with the focus currently on the zoo's justification and public backlash rather than any formal legal inquiry.
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The ongoing investigation by the Nuremberg-Fürth public prosecutor's office raises questions about the Nuremberg Zoo's community and employment policies concerning animal welfare.
Protesters and activists have highlighted the need for a comprehensive employment policy that emphasizes humane treatment of animals, incorporating scientific research on medical-conditions and health-and-wellness to ensure the best possible care for all zoo inhabitants.
