T: 01492 532938
E: info@welshmountainzoo.org
Old Highway, Colwyn Bay, Conwy,
North Wales, LL28 5UY
COUNTING HEADS AND TAILS – THE WELSH MOUNTAIN ZOO ANNUAL ANIMAL COUNT
- 8th January 2025
- Kaitlyn Jenkins
Keepers at the Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoological Society of Wales, have finalised their annual animal count, a mammoth task which involves counting each and every animal in their care as part of a nationwide task.
Zoos carry out the challenge at the beginning of the year as part of compliance with Zoo legislation which requires Zoos and Aquariums to keep precise records of every animal birth, death, arrival and departure.
Peter Litherland, Collection Manager at the Welsh Mountain Zoo explained: “This is a huge task but a necessary one that we gear up for every January. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is home to over 60 species, so recording an accurate count of all of the animals in our care, some of whom are more naturally shy than others, can be somewhat of a challenge!”
Keepers are fully aware of how many animals they have in their care, especially large mammals such as tigers, chimpanzees and sea lions - but this annual headcount provides a valuable record. And some of the smaller creatures like weavers and mouse birds take some patience and plenty of double-checking!
Data from the survey is then submitted to the local authority who issue and renew the licenses for Zoos and Aquariums.
Many Zoos' inventories are also recorded on an international database called Species360, which gathers information about animals held in zoological institutions around the world.
Humboldt Penguin and Buckfast Bee Photography - ©️Melanie Sharp
