Whipsnade Zoo conducts annual animal count
ZSL’s milestone 200th anniversary is being marked with Whipsnade Zoo’s yearly stocktake
Whipsnade Zoo’s annual stocktake is underway today, marking the start of ZSL’s 200th anniversary year.
Zookeepers at the Bedfordshire conservation zoo will be tallying up every animal, with species ranging from mammals and birds to reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. This meticulous count is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial part of global conservation efforts.
The information will be uploaded to Species360, an international database used to manage breeding programmes for endangered species.
New arrivals add cause for celebration
This year’s stocktake includes several new additions after 2025 proved to be a successful year for breeding programmes at Whipsnade Zoo.
Among the counted animals are Hattie, a red panda cub who weighs around as much as a brick; Leoni, a reticulated giraffe calf, likely weighing as much, if not heavier than 2 and a half kegs of beer; four African lion cubs who're likely to be about as heavy as two tins of paint; and Ivor, a domestic Bactrian camel, who has grown to be heavier - than a grand piano!
These births represent a significant contribution to conservation breeding efforts that aim to protect threatened species.
Focus on African penguins
African penguins, one of the critically endangered species featured in today’s count, remain a priority for Whipsnade Zoo’s conservation programme.
Emily Merrick-White explained the efforts to safeguard African penguins, highlighting their dramatic decline:
"The Blackfooted penguins have declined by 90% in 100 years. What we are trying to do is keep a sustainable population in our zoos so that if it was needed, we can release our chicks into the wild.
We have bred five Blackfooted chicks this year to help maintain numbers. Additionally, we ensure fish sourcing for their feed is sustainable while promoting recycling and responsible waste practices to minimise ocean pollution.
Managing sustainable populations is challenging. It involves detailed health checks, monitoring bloodlines to prevent inbreeding, and identifying birds to record breeding activities.
Despite these challenges, captive collections offer a positive outlook for the survival of African penguins.’