London Zoo held its annual 'weigh-in' this week, with approximately 10,000 animals participating in the health assessment. Keepers coaxed, led, and enticed mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates onto scales to record their measurements.
The diverse array of participants included penguins, capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and even a Vietnamese magnolia snail. Some animals are trained to step onto scales, while others, like certain birds, have devices integrated into their pathways. For instance, Bolivian black-capped squirrel monkeys were placed on perches, and capybaras were lured with food. Humboldt penguins responded to the prospect of fish before returning to their usual activities.
The zoo houses over 10,000 animals across 4,000 species, with the smallest, Partula snails, weighing less than a gram. Zookeepers use regular weigh-ins to monitor the health and development of the animals. Identifying pregnancies is also a key aspect of these checks.
Data collected during these weigh-ins is added to an information system shared with conservationists worldwide. This information is crucial for providing insights into endangered species. Daniel Simmonds, London Zoo's animal operations manager, emphasized the importance of these regular checks for managing animal care and contributing to global conservation efforts.
The Zoological Society of London, which operates the zoo, was established in 1828 and recently celebrated its 200th anniversary.
