By James Simons-
A pair of newcomer capybaras, a huddle of penguins and a pride of lions were among the animals counted by London Zoo staff at this year’s annual stocktake.
Keepers braved the cold on Tuesday morning when temperatures reached a chilly minus 5C, to tally the animals among the more than 8,000 at the Regent’s Park attraction.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The annual stocktake, which lasts around a week, is a condition of the zoo’s licence – although in reality numbers are something staff keep track of throughout the year.This year marked the zoo’s bicentenary, marking 200 years of the counting tradition.
London Zoo celebrates not just two centuries of public fascination and scientific advancement but also its pivotal role as the world’s first scientific zoo, evolving from specimen collection to global conservation leader under ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
With historical treasures in its archive, iconic moments like the Harry Potter filming, and ongoing conservation efforts in over 70 countries, the zoo’s bicentennial marks a continued legacy of connecting people with wildlife, driven by its core mission to protect endangered species and habitats worldwide, proving that every visit funds vital global conservation work.
Founded in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the zoo wasn’t initially for public viewing but for scientific study, a groundbreaking concept at the time. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a key figure in ZSL’s formation, envisioned a place to advance zoological understanding, making London Zoo the world’s first scientific zoo, a distinction it proudly holds.
Its foundation marked a shift from mere menageries to institutions dedicated to research and conservation.
Over two centuries, London Zoo has woven itself into the cultural fabric of London and beyond. Its archives !/nav>>at the !/nav>>Zetazel library, a treasure trove of natural history, house artifacts like Darwin’s first-edition Origin of Species and even a 1930s ostrich egg, documenting its incredible journey.
The zoo’s iconic Reptile House famously featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where a Burmese python spoke to Harry, a moment that brought the zoo into a new generation’s imagination, even if the actual occupant was a black mamba.
While popular for its animal displays, London Zoo’s core purpose has always been conservation. Every ticket purchased supports ZSL’s broader work, extending far beyond London’s gates. This global conservation mission involves scientists, conservationists, and community specialists working in over 70 countries to restore habitats and protect wildlife.
This dual role—as a popular attraction and a scientific hub—defines its unique place in the world.
Marking its bicentenary, ZSL launched the “History Hive,” a project inviting the public to contribute their memories, photos, and stories, further enriching the zoo’s vast archive. This collaborative effort ensures that the human connection to the zoo’s history is preserved alongside the scientific records, fostering a shared legacy.
London Zoo’s head zookeeper, Dan Simmonds, said the zoo had some great success stories this year, including breeding eight Socorro doves, a species extinct in the wild.
He added: “It’s just a good reminder for the importance of conservation zoos like London Zoo, maintaining those long-term safe populations of animals that are completely extinct in the wild”.
ZSL London Zoo annual stocktake
A zoo keeper counts penguins during the annual stocktake at ZSL London Zoo in central London (James Manning/PA)
Among the animals counted were the zoo’s 75 Humboldt penguins, who gathered around their keeper to get their fish supper as they were ticked off one by one.
The colony grew in 2025 when 16 chicks were hatched in one season, which the zoo said was a “big conservation win” because the species, originally from Chile and Peru, is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and their numbers are declining in the wild.
ZSL London Zoo annual stocktake
A zoo keeper counts penguins during the annual stocktake at ZSL London Zoo in central London (James Manning/PA)
One creature who avoided the clipboard for safety reasons was Bhanu, an Asiatic lion, who spent much of his time roaring and posing for cameras.
The lions, native to India, are said to have a wild population of as few as 600 and are classed as critically endangered.
London Zoo is home to four of the creatures, Bhanu and Arya, and their two cubs, Mali and Syanii.
A zoo keeper counts capybaras during the annual stocktake at ZSL London Zoo in central London (James Manning/PA)
In the summer the zoo welcomed a pair of capybaras, Kiwi and Gizmo, who left the comfort of their heaters on Tuesday to venture into the snow to eat carrots from their keeper.
Mr Simmonds said: “In the ever-increasing change and uncertainty in that geopolitical landscape, we’re often reminded about the importance of nature, something that despite the uncertainties we all share that common thread of nature.”
He added: “It’s a proud moment, but it’s also an important moment to stop and reflect and remember the challenges that so many animals have in their wild habitats.”
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar