The euthanasia of 12 healthy Guinea baboons at Nuremberg Zoo has caused widespread public outrage and legal backlash in Germany, after the institution announced it had no more space to house the animals, Anadolu reports.
The zoo confirmed that the baboon enclosure was designed for a maximum of 25 animals, and that the number had exceeded that capacity. According to the zoo, the decision to eliminate the animals came after “years of evaluation and research into alternative solutions.”
"We are aware of this. However, this step was inevitable," the kindergarten said, acknowledging the public's concern.
Animal rights organizations have strongly condemned the decision.
Ilona Wojahn, chairwoman of the Bavarian branch of the German Federation for the Protection of Animals, said she was shocked by the killing of the baboons, stressing that "animal rights are being brutally violated in Nuremberg."
Paulina Kuhn, wildlife coordinator at the same organization, called the killing unjustified and according to her "there was no reasonable reason."
She confirmed that criminal charges will be filed, based on violations of the Animal Protection Law.
Pro Wildlife organizations and the German Association for Animal Protection Law (DJGT) have also taken legal action against the zoo's managers.
"These killings could have been avoided. In our opinion, this is illegal," said Laura Zodrow from the organization Pro Wildlife.
She accused the zoo of not pursuing viable alternatives, such as moving the baboons to a shelter or expanding their space.
"At the same time, the zoo is investing millions of euros to acquire new animals. This double standard is unacceptable," she added.
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