Zurich Zoo euthanizes 10 healthy geladas amid overcrowding crisis

Zurich Zoo has euthanised ten healthy geladas due to overcrowding in their mountain enclosure. The decision came after the group grew too large, leading to rising tensions among the animals. Zoo officials described the move as necessary for the welfare of those remaining.

Before the euthanasia, 21 geladas lived in the Semien Mountains enclosure. These animals were originally bred in European zoos, including Zurich and Basel, before being released in Ethiopia's Semien Mountains between 2005 and 2006 as part of a rewilding project. Over time, their numbers expanded, and the group recently reached 48 individuals.

The zoo announced the decision on Monday. Severin Dressen, the zoo's director, explained that no other European zoos could take the animals. Space constraints and growing conflicts within the group left officials with no alternative. The euthanised geladas included individuals of different ages, all of which were healthy and active in their harems before the action.

After the procedure, the bodies were made available for scientific research. The enclosure now feels noticeably quieter, according to zoo staff.

The zoo's remaining geladas will continue to live in the Semien Mountains habitat. Officials believe the reduced group size will improve stability and long-term health. The decision was framed as a last resort after all other options were exhausted.