12 healthy baboons euthanised at German zoo due to overcrowding, sparks outrage
Nuremberg, Germany: The Nuremberg Zoo is under intense scrutiny after euthanising 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding, a move that has drawn condemnation from animal rights groups and sparked widespread public outrage.
According to a statement issued by the zoo on Tuesday, the decision followed several failed attempts to rehome the animals or control the population through contraceptive methods. The baboon troop had grown to 40 members, far exceeding the enclosure’s intended capacity of 25. Zoo officials said the overcrowding led to heightened aggression and frequent injuries among the animals, making the situation unsustainable.
"There was no other option," the zoo stated, noting that it had already warned the public in February 2024 about the possibility of culling due to space constraints.
The facility remained closed to visitors on Tuesday for "operational reasons," though many believe the closure was directly linked to the controversial euthanisation.
Animal rights group Pro Wildlife filed a criminal complaint against the zoo, accusing it of violating animal protection laws. "Healthy animals had to be killed because the zoo maintained irresponsible and unsustainable breeding policies for decades. This culling was avoidable and illegal in our opinion," the group told DW News.
Several other advocacy organisations have echoed this condemnation, demanding accountability and systemic changes to zoo management practices.
Zoo director Dag Encke defended the decision, telling the BBC that the action was taken after “years-long consideration” and complied with guidelines set by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). He described culling as “a legitimate last resort to preserve the population.”
Despite the defence, critics argue that the zoo has not outlined concrete measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
