More than 10,000 animals across 4,000 species were measured at ZSL London Zoo on Monday as part of the annual 'weigh-in'. Keepers recorded the statistics of every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate at the zoo.
Tracking health and development
The measurements help to monitor health, development and identify pregnancies. However, persuading some animals to cooperate requires a little creativity. Some are trained to step on the scales, while devices for birds are hidden in doorways.
A Bolivian black-capped squirrel monkey was placed on a perch for the weigh-in, while brother and sister capybaras Gizmo and Kiwi were lured onto the scales with food. The zoo's smallest animals are Partula snails, which weigh less than one gramme.
Data shared globally
Measurements are added to an information system shared with conservationists across the world to provide information on endangered species.
Daniel Simmonds, London Zoo's animal operations manager, said: "Regular weigh-ins help zookeepers track the health of our animals – including insects like the magnolia land snails, the capybaras, and Humboldt penguins – and genuinely help us manage the care of these animals, who play a vital role in our global conservation efforts."
The Zoological Society of London, which runs the zoo, celebrated its 200th anniversary this year.
