The annual weigh - in is a big event for ZSL London Zoo , and 2023 mark the 100thyear of the tradition . Each year , zookeepers pull out their in effect trick to lure their unsuspecting residents onto the scale , something IFLScience got to find in individual as we were invited down to see what run low on .
Armed with mag tape measures , giant rulers , and the all - important scale , the zookeepers weigh every mammal , bird , reptilian , Pisces , and invertebrate within their walls . In total it amounts to some 14,000 fauna , meaning the whole surgery takes several days .
snack are gold dust throughout the proceeding , with each animate being being move by a different treat to cajole them onto the scales . For squirrel monkeys , it was nuts and popcorn ; for the penguins , it was sprats ( a few of which ended up in the back talk of the city ’s crazy herons ) ; and for tigers ? Well , apparently they ’re fond of curry powder .
The penguins had to contend with London’s wild herons for their snacks.Image credit: IFLScience
We caught up with some of the keepers to find out more about why the annual weigh - in is so of import , and how the data they collect can chip in towards theconservationof wild animals .
As well as updating their phonograph recording , the one-year weigh - in gives ZSL London Zoo an chance to contribute to the Zoological Information Management System ( ZIMS ) , a database shared with zoos all over the world . It helps zookeepers to compare important information on chiliad ofendangered brute , benefiting the wellness of fauna enrolled in species - saving breeding broadcast , and giving us vital stats that can aid us value the wellness of unwarranted populations .
“ We immortalize the vital statistic of every animal at the Zoo – from the tallest Giraffa camelopardalis to the tiniest tadpole , " tell Head of Zoological Operations Angela Ryan , in astatement .
“ Having this data helps to ensure that every brute we care for is healthy , eating well , and growing at the rate they should - a primal indicator of health and wellbeing . For example , a arise waist can aid us to detect and monitor pregnancies , which is vitally important as many of the mintage we deal for are threaten in the wild and part of international conservation procreation programmes - London Zoo organize the global program forSumatran tiger , for exercise . ”
And it ’s hella entertaining to look on , too .
