Current:Home > MyFrom tarantulas to tigers, watch animals get on the scale for London Zoo's annual weigh-in-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
From tarantulas to tigers, watch animals get on the scale for London Zoo's annual weigh-in
View Date:2024-12-23 16:07:30
Penguins, tigers, tarantulas and gorillas were just some of the thousands of creatures that stood on a scale as London Zoo keepers began recording vital statistics for the zoo’s annual weigh-in.
More than 14,000 species will participate in the zoo's annual event, with the zoo staff expected to take several days to weigh and measure every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate in its care to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
The results will go into a database that's shared with zoos around the world, according to a statement by the London Zoo. This helps zookeepers to compare important information on thousands of threatened species.
“We record the vital statistics of every animal at the zoo — from the tallest giraffe to the tiniest tadpole," said Head of Zoological Operations Angela Ryan.
Ryan explained that the data helps to ensure that animals are healthy, eating well and growing at a healthy rate, which helps in conservation and protection efforts. It can also help detect and monitor pregnancies.
Cuteness alert:Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two orphaned puma cubs rescued from Washington state
Getting animals to step on the scale is not an easy task. Zookeepers deploy a variety of tactics to "trick" the animals into getting on the machine.
Video footage shows a zookeeper using morning feed to get the Humboldt penguin chicks to walk over scales one by one as they line up for their breakfast.
Dreamy:Rare clouded leopard kitten born at OKC Zoo: Meet the endangered baby who's 'eating, sleeping and growing'
Debuts
Making their debut at this year's weigh-in is the western lowland gorilla Kiburi, who arrived as part of a global breeding program for the endangered species last November. Also making their debut are critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, Zac and Crispin, who recently celebrated their first birthday.
"This weight check gives our veterinarians and zookeepers important information about the cubs’ development, with the team estimating it won’t be long until the growing duo record the same vital statistics as mum and dad," the zoo said in a news release.
First opened to the public in 1828, the London Zoo houses a variety of animals, including Humboldt penguins, Sumatran tigers and Asiatic lions.
Yikes!Brown tarantula mating season is here: you may see more of the arachnids in these states.
veryGood! (6138)
Related
- Why Cynthia Erivo Needed Prosthetic Ears for Wicked
- Dozens of sea lions in California sick with domoic acid poisoning: Are humans at risk?
- In Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, company cancels plans for grain export facility in historic Black town
- Elon Musk’s X sues advertisers over alleged ‘massive advertiser boycott’ after Twitter takeover
- GM recalling big pickups and SUVs because the rear wheels can lock up, increasing risk of a crash
- 2024 Olympics: Why Simone Biles Addressed MyKayla Skinner's Comments Amid Win
- Over 55,000 Avocado Green Mattress pads recalled over fire hazard
- Four are killed in the crash of a single-engine plane in northwestern Oklahoma City
- Chiefs block last-second field goal to save unbeaten record, beat Broncos
- Stephen Curry talks getting scored on in new 'Mr. Throwback' show
Ranking
- Here's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year
- Buca di Beppo files for bankruptcy and closes restaurants. Which locations remain open?
- How to prepare for a leadership role to replace a retiring employee: Ask HR
- Spain vs. Brazil highlights: Brazil holds off comeback, will play for Olympic gold
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- Georgia tops preseason college football poll. What are chances Bulldogs will finish there?
- How Lahaina’s more than 150-year-old banyan tree is coming back to life after devastating fire
- Exclusive: Oklahoma death row inmate Emmanuel Littlejohn wants forgiveness, mercy
Recommendation
-
Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
-
Data shows Rio Grande water shortage is not just due to Mexico’s lack of water deliveries
-
Federal appeals court upholds Maryland’s ban on assault-style weapons
-
Man who decapitated newlywed wife sentenced to 40 years in Texas prison
-
Jason Kelce collaborates with Stevie Nicks for Christmas duet: Hear the song
-
Flush with federal funds, dam removal advocates seize opportunity to open up rivers, restore habitat
-
Armand “Mondo” Duplantis breaks pole vault world record in gold-medal performance at Olympics
-
4 hotel employees charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Black man’s death