In a remarkable demonstration of dedication to animal health and well-being, more than 11,000 animals were enticed onto weighing scales at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.
The annual weigh-in, held recently, encompassed a diverse array of creatures including butterflies, lemurs, and bears.
This initiative serves a dual purpose: not only does it maintain the physical health of these animals, but it also contributes to the global exchange of vital information among zookeepers about threatened species.
Bears Tempted by Honey: European Brown Bears on the Scales
Among the participants were the magnificent European brown bears Minnie and Mana, each measuring an impressive five feet in height.
These bears, whose weights clocked in at 148 kilograms and 174 kilograms respectively, were drawn to the scales through the allure of honey.
Tim Savage, the team leader of birds at Whipsnade Zoo, shared insights into this process, stating, “We used honey to encourage our European brown bears to stretch up to their full height against giant rulers.
Minnie and Mana proved that bears really will do anything for a taste of honey.”
Diverse Participants: From Camels to Macaws
The annual weigh-in also saw diverse participants, highlighting the breadth of creatures cared for at the zoo.
Oakley, a four-year-old domestic Bactrian camel, tipped the scales at 728 kilograms.
Meanwhile, Stilton, a two-year-old critically endangered blue-throated macaw, was delicately weighed on a specially designed perch.
Stilton’s weight registered at 782 grams, emphasizing the meticulous attention paid to even the smallest inhabitants of the zoo.
Balancing Act: Maintaining Accurate Data
The significance of the annual weigh-in goes beyond mere measurements.
Mr. Savage explained, “All of the animals at Whipsnade Zoo are weighed and measured regularly, but today’s annual weigh-in is an opportunity to review the information we’ve recorded and ensure it is up-to-date and accurate.”
Given the diverse personalities of the animals, creative tactics are often employed to entice them onto the scales, as demonstrated by the ingenious strategy of offering leaping lemurs their favorite sweetcorn.
Commitment to Welfare: Pushing the Boundaries
Whipsnade Zoo, an integral part of the conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London), prides itself on setting high welfare standards for its animals.
Mr. Savage emphasized that the true essence of their work lies behind the scenes, where the collected information contributes extensively to their efforts.
He asserted, “We have as much information at our fingertips as possible, and it is this part of the job that we all do that pushes the husbandry and welfare standards of all the animals we look after.”
In conclusion, the annual weigh-in at Whipsnade Zoo not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of animal health management but also underscores the dedication of zookeepers to the well-being of their charges
. Through creative tactics, innovative methods, and a commitment to data accuracy, the zoo contributes to the collective understanding of animal care and conservation efforts on a global scale.
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