The annual inventory at ZSL London Zoo is currently in progress despite the chilly weather. As the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) marks its 200th year as a charity, zookeepers have geared up to count every mammal, bird, reptile, and invertebrate residing in the zoo. Housing over 8,000 animals, ranging from tiny leafcutter ants to massive silverback gorillas, meticulous counting is essential.
The yearly inventory is a mandatory procedure that aids in global conservation breeding initiatives. With snowfall and subzero temperatures in the capital, employees diligently set out to tally Humboldt penguins, Asiatic lions, corals, Seychelles millipedes, and capybaras. Dan Simmonds, the head keeper, emphasized the significance of this year’s stocktake, highlighting the zoo’s bicentennial celebration.
“We’ve been counting animals at London Zoo for 200 years. It’s a really important day, and it’s also a great opportunity for visitors to observe,” Simmonds stated. Despite the freezing temperatures, the animals, like the capybaras, are comfortably sheltered. The count, which will be shared with conservation zoos worldwide, is expected to conclude efficiently by the end of the day.
Starting early at 7 am, zookeepers commenced the counting process, aiming to account for every animal by day’s end. Among the notable counts were 75 Humboldt penguins, including 16 chicks born in 2025—a promising development for the conservation of this vulnerable species. Additionally, the birth of eight Socorro dove chicks and an increase in critically endangered Darwin’s frogs signify positive strides in species preservation efforts.
With the annual stocktake underway, Mirror Online has curated a selection of captivating images capturing the essence of the event. From feeding capybaras to counting penguins underwater, the dedication of the zookeepers and the diversity of wildlife at London Zoo are vividly portrayed.