There is hope for Nuremberg’s baboons. After the Nuremberg Zoo announced that it would most likely kill several animals in an area that had become too small, three institutions came forward that could take in animals. The usual procedure will now be initiated for the facilities in England, Austria and India, says zoo director Dag Encke. As standard, the questions are first asked about husbandry conditions and intentions, then whether the facilities want to take part in the conservation breeding program. In the end, the European Zoo Association also decides.
The facility in India, a new zoo with a large area, is particularly promising. Of course, no killing will be carried out until we know whether animals can be given away, says the zoo director. But that doesn’t change the fundamental problem – too many animals in too small an area. At best, you could gain three years for the discussion. After that, the problem will probably arise again. Overall, Encke is satisfied with the type of public debate; it is even “more objective than expected.” A criminal complaint was only examined in one case.