Zurich Zoo euthanizes ten baboons, sparking legal action and public outrage

Zurich Zoo has euthanized ten gelada baboons from its group of 48. The decision was made to manage population size and reduce tensions within the group. Animal rights organisation PETA Germany has responded by announcing criminal charges against the zoo's director, Severin Dressen.

The zoo currently houses 38 geladas after the cull. Officials described the euthanization as a necessary step to maintain genetic stability and prevent overcrowding. They argued that building more enclosures would only postpone the issue without solving it long-term.

PETA Germany accused the zoo of killing healthy animals due to insufficient space. The group claimed the zoo failed to explore alternatives properly. Social media reactions were swift, with many users criticising the decision.

Zoo leadership maintained that euthanization was a last resort. They stated that transferring animals to other facilities or using birth control was not always practical. Birth control, while an option, was deemed unsuitable for extended periods due to potential health risks.

Reintroducing geladas into the wild was dismissed as unfeasible. The process is complex, often unsuccessful, and requires adequate natural habitats. The zoo defended keeping a reserve population in captivity as a precaution for the species' survival.

The zoo now holds 38 geladas following the cull. PETA's legal action and public backlash highlight the controversy over population management in captivity. The case raises questions about balancing species conservation with ethical concerns in zoos.