Even the snakes get scales! Whipsnade Zoo embarks on its annual animal weigh-ins to check they are all fit and healthy [Video]

Bears, bongos, giraffes, aardvarks and owls all stepped onto the scales today as Whipsnade Zoo embarked on its annual weigh-in day. 

The weigh-in day is a vital part of animal’s expert care, with all creatures having their measurements recorded to ensure zookeepers can track their health and wellbeing.

Photographs taken today showed zookeeper’s Olly Bosher, Adam Davidson, Helen Rawson and Anna Brink carrying out the checks.  

All of the data will be collected and placed in a shared database called the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).

This enables zookeepers and veterinarians around the world to compare important information on thousands of threatened species.