London Zoo has commenced its annual tradition of weighing its animal residents as part of routine health checks. This comprehensive process involves zookeepers measuring every bird, reptile, fish, and mammal housed at the zoo.
Zookeepers employ various methods to obtain measurements, often training animals to step onto scales. For those less inclined, a strategically placed snack can help encourage cooperation. This year, Kiwi the Capybara is one of the many animals participating in the weigh-in.
The collected data is entered into the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a worldwide database. This system allows animal care professionals and conservationists to share vital information on thousands of endangered species, aiding in global conservation efforts.
Species ranging from the world's largest rodents to small insects like katydids are included in the assessment. This annual event ensures that each animal's health and wellbeing are monitored, contributing to the overall understanding and care of diverse wildlife populations.