London: Animals of all shapes and sizes at London Zoo have stepped onto scales as keepers conduct their annual weigh-in, an important exercise to monitor health and wellbeing.
The unusual event involves mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and even tiny invertebrates. Keepers will measure around 400 of the zoo’s more than 14,000 animals, with each measurement recorded for future comparison.
Snacks help with the weigh-in
Some animals have been trained to stand or perch on scales, making the process easier for their keepers. Others require a little encouragement, with carefully chosen treats helping persuade them to step onto the weighing equipment.
A furry capybara named Kiwi was among the animals weighed during the exercise. Even tiny creatures such as katydids are included, with keepers carefully recording their measurements.
Regular weighing allows animal-care teams to notice changes that could indicate illness, pregnancy, growth or other health concerns. Monitoring weight over time can therefore help keepers identify potential problems before they become serious.
Data helps animals worldwide
The information gathered at London Zoo is added to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a global database used by zoos, aquariums, animal carers and conservationists.
The system allows professionals to compare information about thousands of animals, including endangered species. Such records can support better husbandry, breeding programmes and conservation planning.
Small checks with a bigger purpose
London Zoo’s animal operations manager Daniel Simmonds said regular weigh-ins help teams track the health of animals ranging from magnolia land snails and capybaras to Humboldt penguins.
What may look like a simple weighing exercise is therefore an important part of modern zoo care — helping individual animals stay healthy while contributing valuable information to conservation efforts around the world.