A zoo in Nuremberg, Germany, killed 12 baboons despite protests, concluding a controversy over insufficient space for its growing baboon population. The Tiergarten Nürnberg zoo said the baboons were euthanized as part of a decision following years of deliberation because the population had grown to 43, exceeding the capacity of facilities designed for 25 animals plus offspring, which was causing social conflicts among the animals.
The zoo explored options to relocate some baboons but was unable to find suitable arrangements, and attempts at contraception failed. The culling targeted only non-pregnant females and those not involved in research; the animals were shot, with samples taken for research, and their bodies were used as food for predators in the zoo.
Animal rights groups condemned the killings as avoidable and illegal, filing criminal complaints against the zoo management for violating animal protection laws. Protests and activist interventions occurred before and during the event, including activists entering the zoo and a temporary closure for "operational reasons."
The zoo director defended the culling as necessary to maintain a healthy population and comply with animal welfare laws due to overcrowding.