Keeper Eva Konczol weighs the Humboldt penguins at the annual weigh-in.

Recordings contribute to global endangered species database

ZSL London Zoo’s annual weigh-in took place yesterday, Thursday, 27 August 2020. Allowing staff to update and assess important information on the zoo’s animals including penguins, camels, squirrel monkeys and tortoises.

As ZSL London Zoo now cares for more than 19,000 animals, this time-consuming task requires patience and careful planning throughout the year, as well as the use of some clever tactics to get the animals onto the scales. Some were encouraged with a few treats, while others were subtly weighed as part of their morning feeding routine.

Each measurement is added to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), which is shared with zoos across the globe. Helping zookeepers to compare information on thousands of endangered species.

Teague Stubbington, assistant curator of mammals says: “We have to know the vital statistics of every animal at the Zoo – from the tallest giraffe to the tiniest ant. It helps to ensure that every animal we look after is healthy, eating well, and growing at the rate they should.

“A growing waistline can also help us to detect and monitor pregnancies, which is so important as many of the species at ZSL London Zoo are endangered and part of international breeding programmes, such as Oni the okapi who is currently pregnant with her second calf.

“By sharing information with other zoos and conservationists worldwide, we can all use this knowledge to better care for the species we’re striving to protect.”

Image (c) ZSL London Zoo.