Penguin count: London Zoo begins annual animal census

The Associated Press

First Published Jan 05 2015 

 

Penguins swim in their pool during the annual stock take at London Zoo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. Caring for more than 750 different species, London Zoo keepers started the New Year with the task of counting every single animal. With three Sumatran tiger cubs adding vital numbers to the European conservation breeding programme, the birth of six critically-endangered Philippine crocodiles and the arrival of nine Humboldt penguin chicks, all of the new additions will be added to the records. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

London • Zookeepers with clipboards are coaxing, corralling and counting creatures as London Zoo begins an annual census of its 17,000 residents.

The zoo is home to more than 750 species, from red-kneed spiders to Sumatran tigers, and all must be accounted for. The yearly stock-taking is required under the license terms for all British zoos.

New arrivals this year include 10 young Humboldt penguins, three tiger cubs and six baby Philippine crocodiles — the first ever bred in Britain.

The count began Monday and is expected to take about a week. Tiny creatures such as ants are counted in colonies, but all others are recorded individually.

The data is entered into an international computer database of animal collections and used to plan zoo management and breeding programs for endangered species.

 

 

Penguins stand near their pool during the annual stock take at London Zoo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2015.  (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

 

 

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