Scales, Snails and Capybaras: London Zoo’s Annual Weigh-In Gets Wild
By Charities Correspondent
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.”
The weigh-in is an opportunity to ensure the information recorded for each individual is up-to-date and accurate.
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.
The world-famous conservation zoo cares for a huge range of species, from towering giraffes to tiny Darwin’s frogs, which are one of the Zoo’s smallest creatures, measuring just two centimetres in length, and under two grams in weight.
Regular checks ensure any notable weight changes can be investigated if needed, and being weighed isn’t about dieting – it’s a crucial tool for monitoring each animal’s wellbeing.
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.”
London Zoo is inviting all children to join the Zoo Crew this summer.
A summer holidays visit to London Zoo will see them step into the roles of Zookeepers, Field Conservationists, and Scientists through hands-on challenges and costume dress-up activities, all included for free with their entry ticket. Visit www.londonzoo.org to book tickets.
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