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London Zoo conducts Annual Stocktake
London Zoo's data will support conservation breeding programmes around the world.
Zookeepers were tasked with counting every animal in their care.

Zookeepers at London Zoo have begun the process of counting every animal in the zoo’s care, as part of its Annual Stocktake.

The Annual Stocktake, a requirement of London Zoo’s zoological licence, will be shared with zoos around the world to support the conservation breeding programmes of endangered animals.

London Zoo houses over 10,000 individual animals, which all need to be accounted for in its report.

This year’s count includes a colony of 65 Humboldt penguins, which includes 11 penguin births and five recently accepted arrivals. The new arrivals have been introduced as part of a European breeding programme, and will form breeding pairs in spring.

Also included in the count were seven critically endangered Western lowland gorillas. In early 2024, the troop welcomed the birth of two baby gorillas – Juno and Venus – marking a major conservation success for global numbers of the species.

During the count, the two young gorillas were carried around on the backs of their mothers, Mjukuu and Effie.

Another conservation effort from the zoo that saw success in 2024 was the European Breeding Programme for Asiatic lions. This year, London Zoo saw the birth of three lion cubs – Mali, Syanii and Shanti.

This is a significant conservation success for the endangered species, which currently is only naturally found in Gujarat’s Gir Forest.

In autumn 2024, the zoo welcomed 53 Darwin’s frogs, imported to London Zoo from Chile. This species, labelled as Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE), are currently under threat from a deadly fungus which has caused a 93 per cent species decline since its discovery.

The arrival of adult UK-native medicinal leeches prompted a breeding programme at London Zoo.

Also recorded in this year’s stocktake so far are three reticulated giraffes, 11 Socorro doves and 690 golden orb weaver spiders.

More information about London Zoo’s conservation work can be found on its website.

Image © ZSL

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.