London Zoo begins yearly animal weigh-in

Hundreds of animals are being checked over for the yearly weigh-in at London Zoo.

Mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates across the zoo are measured and weighed on scales as part of the annual process.

It helps zookeepers keep an eye on the health and wellbeing of some of the 14,000 animals living at the zoo.

The data collected is also shared with keepers across the world to help compare information on thousands of threatened species.

Lights, camera, action! Animals have stepped into the spotlight at London Zoo this week

Angela Ryan, who is the head of zoological operations at London Zoo, said the weigh-in, which began on Monday and can take up to a week, will form an important part of gathering data to help protect animals in the wild.

Although the zoo houses more than 14,000 animals, Ms Ryan said the keepers will only have time to measure and log the weight of around 400 creatures.

Playful Asiatic lion cubs Mali, Syanii and Shanti, who were born earlier this year, were weighed as part of the annual checks at London Zoo

Keeper Mick documented the health of this camel as part of the weigh-in

Zoo keepers Bernie and Owen weigh hungry Mangalista pig Olive

These Humboldt penguins were checked over by keeper Jess

Asiatic lion Arya was photographed washing one of her three lion cubs born earlier this year during the weigh-in

Humboldt penguins, which are native to parts of South America, are known to be excellent swimmers

This camel enjoyed spending some time with zookeeper Mick on Monday