London Zoo take on the mammoth annual task of an animal stock take
London Zoo have literally been counting one's chickens with their annual stock take with a difference.
There are over 16,000 different types of animals, over 10,000 invertebrates, 4,700 fish and 100 reptiles that reside at the capital's Zoo, giving zookeepers a New Year's challenge with a difference.
This mammoth task is made all the more difficult by moon jellyfish that are constantly on the move and stick insects which can't be seen due to being camouflaged and can easily hide in the exhibit.
The zookeeper in charge of the leaf cutter ants has the easiest job of all as they get counted as one colony, although they do know there are about 10,000 of them.
London Zoo had a very busy year last year with the opening of their new Penguin Beach exhibit. This new home to the Zoo's famous penguins cost more than £2million and opened in May 2011.
This January these lovable penguins will also be included in the head count, as last year they were residing at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo whilst the construction of Penguin Beach was undertaken.
The stock take is a compulsory procedure which is required for the zoo to retain its licence.
The data from this headcount is submitted to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums which helps aid the management of animal welfare and also assists with breeding programmes which are shared around the world.
For more information on London Zoo's opening times and prices go to www.britevents.com.
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