Keepers at London Zoo have commenced their highly anticipated annual stocktake, a meticulous process of counting and documenting each of the attraction’s diverse inhabitants, from birds and reptiles to invertebrates.
Operated by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the zoo is home to over 10,000 animals, including a host of recent additions that made headlines in 2023. These include two baby western lowland gorillas, three Asiatic lion cubs, a rare okapi, and a remarkable group of 53 frogs belonging to an “evolutionarily extinct” species. Even some less conspicuous creatures, such as leeches, joined the ever-growing roster.
The stocktake, which began on Friday morning, is an intricate operation that is expected to take nearly a week to complete. Each animal, regardless of size, is accounted for to ensure accurate records. The data gathered during this process will be shared with other zoos worldwide, forming part of a collaborative effort to manage global conservation breeding programs for endangered and at-risk species.
London Zoo’s stocktake plays a critical role in conservation efforts. By maintaining precise population records, the zoo and its partners can make informed decisions about breeding initiatives, habitat management, and the reintroduction of species into the wild.
ZSL has long been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, and events like the annual stocktake underscore its commitment to protecting biodiversity. For the keepers, the stocktake is not just a routine task but a chance to connect with the animals they care for and reflect on the successes of the past year.
As the final numbers are tallied and shared globally, London Zoo continues to serve as a beacon of hope and action for endangered species and conservation efforts worldwide.