London Zoo animals take part in annual health weigh-in

Capybaras, penguins and one very specific snail report for London Zoo’s annual health check

London Zoo’s animals are being weighed and measured, with health data shared through a global conservation database used by animal-care teams worldwide.

A capybara being weighed during London Zoo's annual health checks Image: PA Media / BBCOriginal source

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London Zoo’s annual weigh-in has once again produced the rare administrative task where a capybara, a penguin and a giant land snail all need their numbers entered into the same database.

Keepers regularly weigh and measure the zoo’s animals to monitor health, development and even pregnancies. This year capybara siblings Kiwi and Gizmo weighed 45kg and 50.5kg, while Giant Magnolia Land Snail No. 2 came in at 102.5g.

The measurements are added to the global Zoological Information Management System, where and animal-care teams can compare data across threatened species.

The animals take part through positive-reinforcement training, with scales hidden in habitats or incorporated into normal routines. Good healthcare is evidently easier when your patient can be persuaded onto the equipment with a snack.