Whipsnade zoo’s annual stocktake protects endangered species
The zoo’s meticulous counting process tracks over 10,000 animals to support conservation efforts for critically endangered wildlife
Last updated 7th Jan 2025
Whipsnade Zoo has begun the new year with its annual animal stocktake, counting over 10,000 animals across 245 species. The process is crucial for conservation work and ensures accurate data is available to manage global breeding programmes for endangered species.
Lauren Johnson, Team Leader of Ectotherms, explained the importance of the stocktake, particularly for species that are critically endangered or extinct in the wild. “We have 26 species that are extinct in the wild or critically endangered,” she said. “For some, we’re one of the only collections holding these animals in the world. Knowing the exact number of animals we have and whether populations are increasing is critical for their survival.”
The stocktake covers a wide variety of species, including reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and fish. The latter presents unique challenges, especially for species like the Boxer pupfish, which are part of the zoo’s breeding programmes. “For fish, we take photos because they move so quickly,” Lauren said. “We count from the pictures and cross-reference numbers among keepers to ensure accuracy. It’s important for us to know how many eggs are being laid and whether the environment is helping them thrive.”
In addition to fish, butterflies require a different method. “With butterflies, we do a visual count, working from one side of the house to the other,” Lauren explained. “It’s challenging because they’re constantly moving, but we use multiple keepers to cross-check numbers. Weekly counts also help us stay accurate.”
The data collected during the stocktake is entered into the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a global database that supports conservation efforts. The records help track breeding successes, identify population changes, and share findings with other zoos worldwide.
Some of the most notable achievements this year include the birth of three Northern African lion cubs, the first at Whipsnade Zoo in 17 years. Sarah McGregor, Section Manager of Predators, spoke about the significance of the birth. “These cubs are vital for the conservation of African lions, which are endangered. Their mother, Winta, is doing an incredible job,” she said.
Other breeding successes include two Southern white rhino calves, six flamingo chicks, and two giraffe calves. Each birth is a step forward in the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species and contribute to global conservation programmes.
“This stocktake is essential for keeping our records accurate and ensuring we’re doing everything possible to protect the animals in our care,” Lauren said. “Every count helps us refine how we care for these species and share knowledge that could prevent extinction.”