Zoo carries out annual animal census

A zoo has been carrying out its annual animal census to update its records and count the more than 800 mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and fish at the site.

Drusillas Park, near Alfriston in East Sussex, says the annual stock is one of the largest tasks of the year with the census being carried out to meet licensing requirements.

The zoo welcomed 22 new animals in 2025, including 17 "zoo borns" and a family of five Colombian black spider monkeys from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.

Head keeper Gemma Romanis said: "Looking after the animals every day means we always know how many of them there are, but the annual stock take is a chance for us to ensure our records are spot on."

New babies born onsite in 2025 included Boots, the first binturong, also known as a bearcat, ever born at the zoo in its 100-year history.

Keepers also welcomed the arrival of Elsie, a critically-endangered Sulawesi crested macaque.

Zoo manager Mark Kenward said: "We can easily keep track of larger species like camels, lynx and flamingos. But then there are the trickier ones.

"Try counting a flock of lovebirds that never sit still and you'll soon throw your hands up in defeat, and don't even get me started on our invertebrates in the education department.

"Take our black beauty stick insects, they're constantly laying eggs and before you know it we've got a full-blown population boom overnight."

Each of the animals at the zoo must have their own record card, holding details of parentage and other important information.

Once completed, this information is submitted to a central database and used by organisations including the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage conservation.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.