30,000 Sea Life creatures get annual health checks

More than 30,000 creatures at Sea Life aquariums across the UK have been counted during the annual stocktake.

The marine animals were counted, weighed and measured across 11 centres, including gentoo penguins at Sea Life London, green sea turtles at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham and seals at Sea Life Weymouth.

Health checks were conducted, any new arrivals recorded, and a winter clean of the aquariums' exhibits was completed.

The annual event allows Sea Life centres in the UK to take part in international breeding programmes, alongside other Sea Life centres around the world.

The UK's first rescued Alaskan sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, were weighed in London, measuring 27.5kg (61lbs) and 22.8kg (50lbs) respectively.

About 350 jellyfish were also counted in London, alongside a colony of gentoo penguins and rescued terrapins, whose shells measured 30cm (12in) on average.

At more than 170kg (375lbs), the heaviest creature to be weighed was Molokai, Birmingham's resident green sea turtle, which also had its shell cleaned.

Weymouth's Tyne the seal was the second most weighty at around 70kg (154lbs). He is expected to gain an additional 15kg (33lbs) this winter to keep him warm.

Sea Life London's general manager, Catherine Pritchard, said: "Count and Clean is one of our most cherished and important activities.

"This event allows us to maintain the highest standards of care for our marine life and provides a wonderful chance for our team to connect with each creature."