Twycross Zoo: January’s mammoth stock take (From Worcester News)

Twycross Zoo: January’s mammoth stock take

8:51am Wednesday 6th January 2010 in

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Zoo keepers at Twycross Zoo and all around Britain and Ireland are starting the biggest job of the zoo calendar - counting each and every animal in their collection for the New Year stock take.

The task is done every January as part of compliance with zoo legislation which requires zoos and aquariums to keep precise records of every animal birth, death, arrival and departure.

Of course, keepers are fully aware of how many animals they have in their care – especially large mammals such as elephants, giraffes or sea lions - but this annual ‘stock take’ provides a valuable record. Some of the smaller creatures – like snails, frogs and bats – take some patience and plenty of double-checking!

The data is submitted to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the national professional body offering advice and guidance on all aspects of zoo management and animal welfare. The records are also available for scrutiny by local authorities who issue and renew the licenses for zoos and aquariums.

Many zoos' inventories will also be submitted to an international database called the International Species Information System (ISIS), which gathers information about animals held in zoological institutions around the world.

Twycross Zoo’s Director, Suzanne Boardman, said: “The annual January stock take is a busy time of year for zoos across the UK. It is vital that we ensure figures are correct so we can best manage conservation and try to prevent species from the threat of becoming extinct.”