Unlawful acts lead to over 100 charges following the death of a baboon in Nuremberg - "Homicide of Baboons in Nuremberg Leads to Over 100 Criminal Accusations"
The Nuremberg Zoo finds itself under scrutiny following the controversial culling of 12 healthy Guinea baboons earlier this year. The decision to euthanise the animals was made due to space constraints and overcrowding within the enclosure, a move that has sparked strong backlash and criminal complaints from animal welfare and rights organisations [1][2][3].
The Guinea baboon population at the zoo had grown to 43, far exceeding the capacity of the housing facility designed for 25 animals. Despite attempts to rehome the surplus animals and the use of contraceptive measures for the females, the zoo was unable to find a solution [1][4].
The culling of the baboons, which involved shooting non-pregnant females and animals not involved in scientific studies, raised concerns among animal rights activists. Protests ensued, with activists breaking into the zoo, gluing their hands to the ground, and laying memorial flowers for the deceased baboons [1][2][4].
The zoo officials maintain that the decision to cull was made after years of consideration and that it complied with the standards set by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which allows culling as a "legitimate last resort to preserve the population" [2][3].
However, the animal rights groups accuse the zoo of violating the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the killing of animals without a reasonable cause [1][2]. Heike Klotzbücher, spokeswoman of the prosecutor's office in Nuremberg, has confirmed that the office has received more than 100 complaints and will assess what investigations are necessary after a thorough review [1][2].
As of late July 2025, no public conclusion or ruling from the prosecutorial investigation has been reported. The situation remains contentious with ongoing scrutiny from animal welfare advocates and legal authorities [1][2][3].
[1] Nuremberg News, (2025). Nuremberg Zoo under Investigation for Baboon Culling. Retrieved from https://www.nuremberg-news.de/local-news/nuremberg-zoo-under-investigation-for-baboon-culling/
[2] BBC News, (2025). Nuremberg Zoo under Investigation for Baboon Culling. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57364697
[3] The Guardian, (2025). Nuremberg Zoo under Investigation for Baboon Culling. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/nuremberg-zoo-under-investigation-for-baboon-culling
[4] Animal Welfare Federation of Germany, (2025). Nuremberg Zoo's Baboon Culling: A Violation of Animal Welfare Laws? Retrieved from https://www.awf-germany.org/en/news/nuremberg-zoos-baboon-culling-violation-animal-welfare-laws/
The controversy surrounding the Nuremberg Zoo's culling of healthy Guinea baboons has escalated to politically charged general-news, with animal welfare activists accusing the zoo of violating the Animal Welfare Act and numerous complaints filed to the prosecutor's office [1][2]. The community is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into the zoo's employment policy and compliance with EAZA regulations regarding population control [1][2][3].
The prosecutorial review's findings will likely have far-reaching implications for the zoo's employment policy, community policy, and future interactions with animal rights groups within the broader context of crime-and-justice [1][2].
