Recently, the London Zoo kicked off the new year with its annual animal census event, where all the animals in the park, from tiny insects to frogs to large tigers and camels, are meticulously counted according to regulations.
The census activity started on Tuesday, January 6th, with staff members counting every individual animal in the zoo, from tigers to monkeys to stick insects. Whether it’s massive mammals or small invertebrates, as well as a variety of birds and reptiles, each of the thousands of animals will be assessed for health and screened for pregnancy. It is expected to take nearly a week to complete this process.
Spanning 36 acres, the London Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo, established in 1828. Initially serving as a research facility for scientists, it wasn’t opened to the public until 1847. Managed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the zoo currently houses around 8,000 animals, including the curious Humboldt penguin, as well as critically endangered species like Sumatran tigers and Asian lions.
It is noteworthy that this year’s annual census coincides with the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London’s establishment, adding a special significance to the event.
According to a statement from the London Zoo, after the census task is completed, they will share the information with zoos around the world to assist in breeding programs for endangered species.