Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.