Zoo animals line up to be counted

Stocktake: Some of world’s most endangered species being recorded

Rare pheasants and nearextinct kangaroos are among the species having their details taken during London Zoo’s annual stocktake.

Some of the world’s most endangered species are being counted for the first time, including the first spiny headed lizards to be born in the UK.

The compulsory annual count is required as part of the attraction’s licence.

Zoological manager Mark Habben said: “All of the keeping staff at London are out with their animals and keeping an eye on how they have been over the last year.

“Any new births are recorded and we log all of that information so that it’s accessible for other animal collections.”

He added: “2013 was a very successful year for us breeding wise. We had our female tapir give birth so we have got a young tapir here on exhibit which is fantastic.”

Every creature, from tiny leafcutter ants to the huge silverback gorilla, will be recorded during the stocktake which will be completed next week.

The data will be shared with zoos worldwide to help with breeding programmes.

Zoo keeper Carl Ashworth counts the penguins