Skipping the Indian Jungle: Nuremberg's Baboons Ain't Moving Anytime Soon
Nuremberg residents avoid the Indian zoo. - Nuremberg Baboons Refuse Relocation to Indian Zoological Park
Let's get the lowdown
Looks like those cheeky baboons from Nuremberg's zoo ain't hightailing it to an Indian jungle anytime soon. A zoo spokesperson confirmed the news when asked, saying they're still mulling over their options. "We're evaluating our next moves," they said.
Initial chatter back in 2024 was that the zoo was considering euthanizing a bunch of its Guinea baboons because their chilling out space was getting a little too cramped. Overpopulation led to some wild ruckus with the monkeys causing injury to each other, and a messed-up pecking order raising the temperature amongst the primates.
Sounded like a plan, but animal rights groups didn't like the idea and threatened to take the zoo to court if they went ahead. Several facilities also extended a helping hand, offering to find a new home for the mob of monkeys. The zoo gave those offers some thoughts, but only the Indian zoo made the final cut—or so we thought.
A year flew by, but it's now official, the Indian zoo isn't a go either. After even more discussions with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the European Endangered Species Programme, the zoo spokesperson confirmed the Indian zoo isn't quite the paradise they'd hoped for the baboons. Sadly, no juicy details were handed out.
Guinea baboons have been part of the scenery in Nuremberg's zoo since 1942 and play a vital role in the European Endangered Species Programme. With dwindling habitats in the wild, the zoo's aim is to hold on to a captive population that could be reintroduced to the wild if safe spaces open up.
Zoo's baboon-taming tactics
It's still unclear why the Indian zoo isn't a viable option for the baboons. Perhaps they were hankering after a change of scenery, but it looks like they'll be sticking around Nuremberg for a while longer. Keep an eye out for updates!
- The Commission has also been informed of the progress of the presentation of the draft decision regarding the possible relocation of the Guinea baboons from Nuremberg's zoo, which now includes the reconsideration of all options, including those promoting health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and science, as a part of the zoo's baboon-taming tactics.
- In the meantime, as Guinea baboons remain in Nuremberg, ongoing professional discussions and evaluations continue between the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the European Endangered Species Programme, focusing on the importance of providing the best possible environment for the primates' physical and mental well-being, backed by the latest scientific research in the field of health and wellness.
