Why did the German zoo kill 12 healthy baboons?

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A German Zoo Killed 12 Baboons Due to Overcrowding and Resulting Conflicts

Nuremberg Zoo in Germany culled 12 baboons because their enclosure had become overcrowded, leading to increased conflicts and injuries within the group. The zoo management stated that no suitable alternative to killing the animals could be found, a decision they acknowledged would be difficult for the public to understand. This action was reportedly carried out according to criteria set by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which permits culling as a last resort.
Overpopulation Led to Interspecies Aggression

The baboon group at Nuremberg Zoo had reached a population size exceeding the capacity of their enclosure, which had previously been expanded in 2009. This overpopulation resulted in a heightened level of conflict among the baboons, causing injuries. The zoo management indicated that these escalated tensions were a primary driver for the decision to cull.
Culling Justified as a Last Resort

Nuremberg Zoo asserted that its actions were in line with guidelines established by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). According to these criteria, culling can be considered a "legitimate last resort" for managing animal populations when other options are not viable. The zoo's chief biologist, Joerg Beckmann, specified that pregnant females and those involved in scientific studies were not part of the culling.
Activist Opposition and Legal Challenges

The decision to kill the baboons sparked protests from animal rights activists, with seven individuals arrested for briefly entering the zoo premises. Activists filed a criminal complaint, arguing that overbreeding does not constitute a reasonable cause for killing healthy animals, as stipulated by animal welfare laws. They contend that allowing animals to breed too freely cannot be a valid justification for such measures.
Post-Cull Procedures and Disposal

Following the culling, the carcasses of the 12 baboons were fed to predators housed within the zoo. This practice, while part of the zoo's internal procedures for managing animal remains, has also drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates. The zoo itself had announced its intention to cull some of its baboons as early as February of the previous year, citing the enclosure's capacity issues.

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Why did the German zoo kill 12 healthy baboons?

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