It is a huge undertaking for the zoo keepers at Whipsnade, but is a necessary one. At the start of each year, every mammal, bird, reptile, fish and invertebrate at the zoo are counted, as part of the zoo’s annual stocktake – and yesterday was that day!
There are over 245 species who call the Dunstable Downs home – from tiny partula snails to a herd of huge Asian elephants. The annual stocktake is a requirement of the Whipsnade Zoo license and once everyone’s been counted, the final numbers will be shared with zoos and aquariums around the world via Species360, an international database which helps conservationists to manage important breeding programmes for endangered species.
Scroll through these pictures to see the scary, the cuddly and the cute get counted.
1. Little vampire crab
Zookeeper Thomas Maunden counts a Vampire Crab as part of the annual stocktake at Whipsnade Zoo. Photo: Dominic Lipinski
2. "All this food? For me?"
The Asian Short-clawed Otters were happy to turn up for their counting session in exchange for some grub, of course. Photo: Dominic Lipinski
3. Malik in all his glory
Malik, the male African lion Malik, struck a pose for guests during the annual stocktake. Photo: Dominic Lipinski
4. Counting the Mangarahara Cichlid fish
Zookeeper Thomas Maunden counts the endangered Mangarahara Cichlid fish which are native to Madagascar. Photo: Dominic Lipinski