German Zoo Feeds Euthanized Baboons to Predators

(MENAFN) Facing severe overcrowding, the Nuremberg Zoo has revealed it has fed the remains of 12 euthanized baboons to its carnivorous animals, including lions, tigers, and wolves, officials confirmed Monday.

The zoo, known as Tiergarten Nuremberg, announced this controversial measure over a year ago as a solution to its excessive primate population. Despite offers from other institutions to relocate the baboons, the zoo reported that no relocation agreements were finalized. This decision has ignited protests from animal rights advocates and concerned members of the public.

Jorg Beckmann, deputy director of the zoo, told local reporters that the baboons’ heads, hands, and feet were removed prior to feeding the carcasses to the meat-eating species.

Beckmann further informed media that six of the baboons were fed to lions, tigers, wolves, and martens—a small, weasel-like mammal. Four of the baboons were preserved as skeletons for museum exhibits, while two that died during sedation underwent autopsies to determine their cause of death.

The official defended the practice by citing animal welfare benefits, explaining that feeding whole carcasses with fur and bones supports dental health in carnivores. “This means that, unlike many pets, our animals do not need to have their tartar removed under general anesthesia.”

The zoo’s decision has been met with fierce backlash from animal rights organizations, which have filed over 100 complaints with prosecutors accusing the zoo of illegal animal killings. Authorities are currently examining these allegations, a spokesperson told local media outlets.

In response, Animal Rebellion activists initiated a protest camp near the zoo on Monday, planning to set up a large tent and hang banners in the trees over the next several days. The group also announced multiple demonstrations at the zoo’s entrance.

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