Over 30,000 Marine Creatures Counted in Annual Sea Life Stocktake Across the UK
More than 30,000 sea creatures across Sea Life aquariums in the UK were carefully counted, weighed, and measured during their annual stocktake.
The event, spanning 11 centres, included health checks, exhibit cleaning, and the recording of new arrivals. Among the highlights were the gentoo penguins at Sea Life London, green sea turtles at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, and seals at Sea Life Weymouth.
Sea Life London saw its rescued Alaskan sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, weighed in at 27.5kg (61lbs) and 22.8kg (50lbs), respectively. Additionally, the team counted 350 jellyfish, measured terrapins with shells averaging 30cm (12in), and checked on their gentoo penguin colony.
Birmingham’s Molokai, a resident green sea turtle, was the heaviest marine animal recorded this year, tipping the scales at over 170kg (375lbs). Molokai also had its shell thoroughly cleaned. Meanwhile, Weymouth’s seal, Tyne, came in second at around 70kg (154lbs), with an expected weight gain of 15kg (33lbs) over winter to keep warm.
This initiative also supports Sea Life’s involvement in international breeding programs, collaborating with centres worldwide to promote marine conservation.
Catherine Pritchard, general manager at Sea Life London, shared the significance of the event:
“Count and Clean is one of our most cherished and important activities. It allows us to ensure the highest standards of care for our marine life while offering our team a unique opportunity to connect with each creature.”
Through this detailed stocktake, Sea Life continues its dedication to preserving and protecting marine life for future generations.