In the „Nuremberg Zoo“, only 25 out of 46 baboons are set to remain. Over a year ago, the zoo already announced that the primate enclosure was severely overcrowded, leading to frequent conflicts among the monkeys, and that the group needed to be reduced in size. Initially, a gradual culling of the animals was planned. "Since there is currently no place for Guinea baboons, culling is still being considered," the zoo informed dpa upon inquiry.
According to the zoo, efforts were made to find accommodation for the baboons in another zoo or a similar facility. However, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The possibility of relocating the animals to a suitable institution still fundamentally exists. The animals continue to be offered through an international network. "There is currently no concrete offer that suggests serious interest in taking them," it further states. Marine biologist and activist Robert Marc Lehmann doubts this exact statement. He recently spoke out in a video, sharply criticizing the zoo.
Since the release of the topic "Population Management in Baboons," the zoo has received acquisition offers from four countries. None of these offers have yet resulted in a concrete takeover possibility, the zoo states on its website. It was the zoo's responsibility to monitor the overpopulation, counters YouTuber Robert Marc Lehmann. However, the population management was not approached with enough determination.
The zoo's consideration of potentially euthanizing a threatened species is deemed irresponsible for another reason as well. The zoo declined an acquisition offer from Slovenia, stating that it was "categorized as unsuitable for Guinea baboons by the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) expert team," according to the zoo's website. Proposals from India and Austria were also rejected due to "a lack of basic information on the conditions of care."
Among the offers was the so-called „Great Ape Project“ in the United Kingdom - an international movement founded in 1994. It criticizes the illegal trade and commercial exploitation of great apes in research labs, circuses, shows, and zoos. Here too, basic information on care conditions was found to be lacking, according to the zoo.
Lehmann finds it hard to comprehend. "There is an offer," he counters. Space, expertise, and additional animals are available at the „Great Ape Project“ (GAP). In his view, the ball is now in the zoo's court. He explains in a video that he has access to the email correspondence between GAP and „Tiergarten Nürnberg“. According to this, GAP stated that it would take in the animals free of charge - the transfer would also be at no cost. In response, those responsible at the zoo apparently replied that they require fundamental information about the enclosure and facilities, as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) also reviews the applications.
Accusation: Breeding Takes Priority
A solution is actually possible; both parties just need to communicate and truly want it - and that's precisely where I see the problem," says Lehmann. The activist accuses the Zoo of intending to send the baboons only to places where they will be bred. He suspects that the zoo deliberately makes the transfer process complicated in order to facilitate and legally legitimize the killing.
The zoo itself finds itself in a factual dilemma. Currently, due to the uncertain legal situation, considerations are being balanced among aspects of animal welfare law, animal protection expertise, conservation law, and criminal law. Animal rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the „Nuremberg Zoo“ for its plans to kill certain baboons. The organization „Pro Wildlife“, for instance, announced its intention to file criminal charges in this case. According to the assessment of the animal rights organization, the planned killing of the animals violates the Animal Welfare Act, which punishes the killing without a reasonable cause as a criminal offense.
In an interview with the *Süddeutsche Zeitung*, Zoo Director Encke emphasizes that killing is a part of species conservation. Under favorable captivity conditions, animals reproduce, which pushes the zoo to its capacity limits. If there are no migration options, controlling the population through a mortality rate is the only solution, says Encke.
The zoo intends to maintain its current practices, as ensuring the species' survival in human care can "form a basis for reintroduction if there are eventually protected and suitable areas." However, reintroduction is currently not feasible, as was already stated in February 2024.
Conditional Mercy Housing
In February 2024, the „Tiergarten Nürnberg“ first addressed the issue of "population management in baboons." In the city of Nuremberg's environmental committee, zoo director Dag Encke aimed to spark a discourse and "advocate for understanding," according to an initial press release. Immediately following the announcement, associations and animal rights activists criticized the planned course of action. A sanctuary, like the one offered by GAP, would only be feasible if integration into a social group is ensured, the zoo's statement further noted. "The only large animal welfare facility in Europe that accepts primates until they can be transferred to another caretaker is currently struggling with a 'waiting list' of dozens of confiscated animals. The zoo has also inquired there."
Long Tradition of Baboons in Nuremberg
Guinea baboons have been living in the „Nuremberg Zoo“ since 1942 as part of the European conservation breeding program. According to the zoo, these primates face dwindling natural habitats, with their population declining. Thus, a zoo-based population is intended to survive and potentially be reintroduced into the wild, if protected areas were available for them in the future. Robert Marc Lehmann is a marine biologist, photographer, conservationist, and YouTuber - his channel boasts nearly a million subscribers. He has received several awards for his works, including the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Award. The 42-year-old also founded the organization „Mission Erde“, which aims to contribute to habitat preservation and raise public awareness about wildlife protection and responsible interaction with nature.