Zookeepers in Essex have conducted their annual stock take, counting every tiger, monkey, and seal to update their records.
At the close of each year, Colchester Zoo tracks its animals to monitor births, deaths, and exchanges with other institutions.
The 2024 report revealed that the zoo is home to 152 unique species, 29 of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered.
“While counting animals may seem straightforward, the smaller species can make the task more challenging,” the zoo explained. The figures are submitted to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria, as well as to a central database.
The zoo also published the species count on its website:
- Mammals: 64
- Fish: 37
- Reptiles: 26
- Birds: 16
- Invertebrates: 5
- Amphibians: 4
Some species were counted as colonies rather than individuals to ensure greater accuracy. This method prevents mistakes such as counting the same fish twice or losing track of birds in flight.
Among the zoo’s notable births in 2024 were a Colombian black spider monkey, two Amur leopard cubs, and an aardvark.
Sadly, the zoo lost its male white rhino, Oto, who passed away at 27 in March, and its male red panda, An An, who was euthanized in June.