Zurich Zoo euthanizes ten healthy geladas to ease overcrowded enclosure

Zurich Zoo has euthanized ten healthy geladas due to overcrowding in their enclosure. The decision came after tensions rose among the group and no other European zoos could take them in. Zoo director Severin Dressen described the move as necessary for the long-term health of the remaining animals.

The Semien Mountains enclosure at Zurich Zoo now feels quieter after the loss. The ten geladas, ranging in age, were euthanized despite being active members of their harems. Their bodies were later made available for scientific research.

Overcrowding left no space in the enclosure, forcing the difficult decision. With no alternative homes available, zoo officials acted to prevent further conflict within the group. The remaining 48 geladas will now have more stable living conditions.

In their natural habitat, the Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia, gelada populations remain stable. Surveys from the early 2020s estimate between 100,000 and 150,000 individuals, showing no major decline.

The euthanization reduces the zoo's gelada population to 48. Their enclosure now has more room, lowering the risk of aggression among the remaining animals. The zoo has also contributed to research by providing the geladas' bodies for study.