The annual census at was completed at the beginning of the year, with more than a thousand creatures accounted for.
Among these were several new additions, including baby animals born in 2024 and new arrivals from other wildlife parks.
The park’s head of wildlife, Angela Potter, said: “Our dedicated keepers count and check the animals in their care daily, but the annual count is required as part of our zoo licence and is carried out by all wildlife parks at the start of each new year.
“This year we have counted 109 different species of animals with over a thousand individuals, which includes all animals within the Safari Drive and Safari Walk.
“Most are counted as individuals, such as our giraffe herd which welcomed a calf in 2024, increasing the number to 11, but some of our invertebrate species such as the cockroaches, are counted as colonies, as there are so many within the group.”
Notable additions last year included a white rhino calf, Malaika, who was the first newborn in January, followed by Mtembei the giraffe calf, Manilow the Grevy’s zebra foal, a lowland anoa calf named Maya, two barasingha deer and two Eld’s deer.
The animals are all part of EEPs (EAZA Ex-Situ Programmes), which are collaborative breeding efforts between wildlife parks, for endangered species.
Ms Potter said: “The annual count highlights the successes we’ve had throughout the year, with our conservation efforts, which is something to be proud of.”
All babies born in 2024 were given names beginning with the letter ‘m’, so this year, all babies will have names beginning with the letter ‘n’.
The park also welcomed arrivals from wildlife parks both in the UK and Europe, such as African elephants, Suzy and Gitana, from Pairi Daiza in Belgium, white rhino Bonnie from Woburn Safari Park and Grevy’s zebra, Angus, who joined the park from Marwell Zoo.
Once every head has been counted, the results are noted in a report which is sent to the local authority.
The park’s wildlife administrator then checks the results against the animal record system, to ensure the census matches.