London Zoo Annual Weigh In

BGUK_3323961 - The world’s largest rodents were among the animals getting their vital statistics recorded at London Zoo this week at the conservation Zoo’s Annual Weigh In. Gizmo and Kiwi, a pair of capybaras joined the Humboldt penguins, giant Galapagos tortoises, the ring-tail lemur troop, giant katydids, and magnolia land snails in being weighed. Priscilla, a 30-year-old giant Galapagos tortoise, was lured onto a board scale with a lettuce snack while the Humboldt penguins jostled in line for zookeeper Jessica Ray. London Zoo’s animals are weighed and measured on a regular basis as way of monitoring their health, development and even identifying pregnancies. Zookeepers employ different training methods or techniques to get individuals to step on to the scales. Many of the Zoo’s animals are trained to perch on a scale while zookeepers note down their measurements, while for some, scales may be placed in doorways or disguised in their habitats, meaning the animal can be weighed without realising. London Zoo’s Animal Operations Manager Daniel Simmonds said: “The London Zoo Annual Weigh In is not just about numbers on a scale; regular weigh-ins help zookeepers track the health of our animals – including the capybaras, tortoises, and penguins – and genuinely help us manage the care of these animals, who play a vital role in our global conservation efforts.” Each measurement is added to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a database shared with animal carers and conservationists all over the world that helps to compare important information on thousands of endangered species. Daniel added: “Our animals here at London Zoo receive world-class care – and a huge part of this is our meticulous planning of their diets. Our zoo-tritionist ensures every animal is getting the nutrients they need, while our keepers devise ways to feed the animals that spark all of their natural instincts – keeping them fit and challenged.” Animals photographed with their zoo-keepers: - Ring Tail Lemurs with Chelsea Reid-Johnson - A giant Katydid with Jamie Mitchel - Magnolia snail with Cat Dixon - Humbolt penguins with Jessie Ray - Galapagos Tortoises with Jamie Mitchell - Capybaras with Poppy Jewell