German zoo kills 12 Guinea baboons over space concerns

Nuremberg Zoo in Germany killed 12 Guinea baboons on Tuesday, saying it had no space to house them safely.

The decision followed months of protests from animal rights groups, who called the killings unlawful and avoidable. The zoo said the animals were carefully selected, and their remains were fed to zoo predators.

The zoo first announced plans to reduce its baboon population in February 2024, citing overcrowding and limited options to rehome the animals.

Its Guinea baboon population had grown to 43, while their enclosure was built for 25 animals. The zoo said it could no longer safely house the growing group and that efforts to relocate some baboons to other zoos failed.

On Tuesday, the zoo closed for “operational reasons” and later confirmed that 12 Guinea baboons were shot. Samples were collected for research, and the carcasses were used as food for other animals.

Animal rights groups, including Pro Wildlife, filed criminal complaints against the zoo, calling the killings unnecessary and a failure of breeding management. Protests were held at the zoo, where seven activists were detained after breaking in.

“What is happening here is unbelievable. Healthy baboons were killed. And only because the Nuremberg Zoo has stuck to its failed breeding and keeping policy for years,” Pro Wildlife said.

The zoo defended its decision, claiming it killed the animals to ensure a healthy population.

What are Guinea baboons?

Guinea baboons are one of the smallest and least-studied baboon species, native to West Africa. The monkeys are typically found in countries like Guinea, Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania, where they live in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands.

Unlike other baboon species, Guinea baboons live in relatively small and peaceful social groups, often showing more tolerance and less aggression toward each other.

They are known for their reddish-brown fur, slender build, and relatively short snout compared to other baboons. Guinea baboons are primarily terrestrial, spending most of their time on the ground, and their diet consists of fruits, seeds, roots, and small animals.