Dedicated zookeepers caring for animals at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire throughout the national lockdown are busy completing the yearly animal stocktake.
An audit of every resident mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate is a legal requirement of a zoo’s licence, which means it is business as usual for the keepers, vets and scientists who are continuing their essential work while the park is closed.
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and 140 species such as tigers, zebras, lemurs and penguins as pictured above, with keepers tallying up the animals for the 2020 audit. The 2021 count will take place at this time in 2022.
Marwell Zoo’s chief executive, James Cretney, said: “It Is certainly the most challenging start to a year in the zoo’s history however beginning the year with our annual animal audit is a chance to reflect on some of our achievements of 2020, the important difference we continue to make to international breeding programmes and the work of our dedicated animal teams, scientists and others who are working tirelessly each day to provide the highest standards of care while the zoo is closed to guests.”
Group benefits at Marwell Zoo
Groups of 12 or more can usually enjoy a range of benefits when booking their visit such as discounted admission, free all day coach parking and a free welcome pack for the group leader on arrival which includes a:
- guidebook
- shop discount voucher
- food and drink discount voucher
Marwell Zoo has set up a JustGiving page where you can support the attraction while it is forced to remain shut: www.justgiving.com/campaign/supportMarwell.
