Nuremberg Zoo's dilemma: Overcrowded baboon population faces controversial cull
The zoo director, Dag Encke, describes the situation as a "human-induced dilemma". He explains that the issue arises from a need for species protection, "which necessitates us to frequently make unfortunate decisions".
Encke is referring to the zoo's population of 45 Guinea baboons. The group has grown so large that the pavilion designated for them is inadequate and cannot be further expanded. The proposed solution is to euthanise a number of the baboons, upon which they will either be donated for scientific research or used as prey for the zoo's predators.
Overcrowding leads to stress and violence
The overcrowding results in the primates experiencing significant stress and often leads to violent conflicts amongst them, sometimes resulting in injuries. In the past, attempts at population control included the use of contraception and transferring some of the baboons to other zoos.
"Re-introduction to the wild is not feasible"
Such efforts have proved fruitless and the baboon population continues to grow. "Re-introducing individual animals to the wild isn't a viable option", explains the zoo director.
Encke reveals that they even contacted a monkey reserve, but the reserve itself already houses 200 other displaced specimens seeking new homes. "No one at the zoo finds the current situation satisfying. However, it's a practical solution" he says.
Encke emphasises that a sudden surge in the baboon population at the zoo could jeopardise the species' survival. He explains that the primates are already getting too old and having too few offspring due to the crowded conditions in the primate house.
Animal rights advocates express outrage
Animal protection organisations have expressed harsh criticism of the zoo's plans. James Brückner from the German Association for Animal Care refers to this decision as a "declaration of failure.
"The fact that 45 animals are being housed in a space designed for 25 baboons is a problem that the zoo has allowed to persist for years", he claims. Brückner adds that "the overcrowding problem could have been addressed much earlier" and describes the current decision to euthanize the animals as reckless.
The animal rights organisation Peta has also issued its protest and urged the zoo to cease the breeding of baboons.
Guinea baboons, who are on the edge of extinction, predominantly inhabit the far west regions of Africa.
