London Zoo’s annual headcount got underway today as keepers began tallying up nearly 600 different species.
The zoo’s four Asiatic lions, Bhanu, Heidi, Indi and Rubi, were among those to be counted this morning, as were several new additions.
Last year the zoo welcomed four Chinese giant salamanders and four big-headed turtles rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
A two-toed sloth named Elio, a tamandu called Star and six Humboldt penguin chicks all born last year, were also added to the census.
Some of the penguins were unwilling to leave their pool to be counted at first, but were soon lured out by keepers using bait.
Teague Stubbington, assistant curator, said: “At the time of year when lots of people are taking stock and looking forward, we’re doing exactly the same, just a little more literally.”
The audit takes keepers a week to complete.
