It's a mammoth task that requires immense patience and plenty of tasty treats: the annual weigh-in at ZSL London Zoo. This year, the scales tipped for some of its most colossal residents, including a giant 30-year-old Galapagos tortoise and a family of enormous capybaras.
The meticulous process is a vital part of the zoo's veterinary care, providing crucial data that helps keepers monitor the health and wellbeing of every creature, from the smallest insect to the most weighty mammal. With over 14,000 animals in their care, it's no small feat.
A Gentle Giant on the Scales
The star of the show was Dirk, a magnificent Galapagos tortoise. These iconic creatures are the largest tortoises on the planet, and Dirk is no exception. Weighing in at a hefty sum, his measurements are key to ensuring he remains in peak condition. Zookeepers use his favourite vegetables to gently coax him onto the large scales, a task that requires careful timing.
The World's Largest Rodent Makes an Appearance
Stealing the spotlight in the rodent department was the zoo's capybara family. Hailing from South America, these semi-aquatic giants can weigh over 60kg. Watching the keepers persuade these large, charismatic animals to step onto the platform is a masterclass in animal training and trust.
The data collected is logged into the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a global database shared with zoos worldwide. This allows conservationists to track and compare information on thousands of endangered species, contributing invaluable knowledge to global breeding programmes and conservation efforts.
For the keepers, it's one of the most important weeks of the year. The figures act as a key health indicator; a sudden loss or gain in weight can be the first sign of an underlying issue, allowing for early intervention. It’s a fascinating blend of old-fashioned care and modern science, all in a day's work at one of the world's oldest scientific zoos.
