Countrywide zoo counts completed
Three-month-old Asian elephant Max with Katie Webster, Whipsnade Zoo
For UK zoos, the new year has begun with the immense task of counting each and every one of their animals - including everything from tigers down to fish and snails.
While zoo databases are continually updated throughout the year, the stocktake is a countrywide, annual practice to ensure that all living things are accounted for correctly.
Adding to the task, many zoos welcomed a number of new arrivals during 2013. Six ring-tailed lemurs travelled all the way from the Netherlands to their new home at Whipsnade Zoo. An endangered Amur tiger also joined to become part of the European breeding programme for endangered species.
A number of births were celebrated at the zoo during 2013, including that of Asian elephant Max, Bactrian camel calves Mo and Mille and moose twins Bruce and Spruce.
BirdWorld in Surrey also reported a bountiful 2013, with breeding successes in most aquariums, aviaries and enclosures. According to the park, the 2014 stocktake highlighted some significant triumphs, such as the successful hatching and healthy development of Europe's only black hornbill chick.
Findings from the yearly stock-check are recorded in the International Species Information System (ISIS) and data can be shared with zoos around the world and used to manage international breeding programmes for endangered species.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
