Home / Environment / Zoo Counts Over 800 Animals in Annual Stocktake
Zoo Counts Over 800 Animals in Annual Stocktake
4 Jan
Summary
- Drusillas Park is conducting its annual animal census.
- The zoo is home to more than 800 mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fish.
- Twenty-two new animals, including spider monkeys, arrived in 2025.
Drusillas Park, located near Alfriston in East Sussex, is currently in the midst of its annual animal census. This vital exercise involves meticulously counting the zoo's extensive population of over 800 animals, encompassing mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fish. The census is a critical component of meeting the zoo's licensing obligations and ensures accurate record-keeping.
Significant additions were made to the zoo's inhabitants during 2025. A total of 22 new animals were welcomed, comprising 17 "zoo borns" and a notable family of five Colombian black spider monkeys. These primates were transferred from Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire, adding to the diversity of species at Drusillas.
Head keeper Gemma Romanis highlighted the importance of the annual stocktake, stating that while daily care provides a consistent awareness of animal numbers, the census is crucial for verifying and perfecting the zoo's records. The process guarantees that the zoo's official documentation accurately reflects its current animal population.
