SEA LIFE centres across the country record over 30,000 creatures as part of their o-fish-al annual 'Count and Clean' stocktake

Aquarists at SEA LIFE Aquariums across the country made a splashing start to the year as they dived into their annual creature ‘Count and Clean’ to take stock of over 30,000 amazing marine creatures on display across the 11 nationwide attractions.

Every January, expert Aquarists at SEA LIFE Centres don their wetsuits and come armed with their measuring tapes and clipboards to take on the mammoth task of counting, weighing and measuring each attraction’s huge array of creatures and marine species. This is to ensure that every finned, feathered and shelled resident is ready for a fin-tastic 2025.

This o-fish-al activity sees Aquarists getting up close and personal with the creatures to expertly examine them and record any new arrivals, which is particularly important for their breeding programmes. For the experts, no creature is too small as every species from tiny coral polyps to big sharks were counted across the country.

Leading the charge was Molokai, Birmingham’s resident Green Sea turtle, weighing more than 170 kilograms, he also received a shell cleaning, adding an extra touch of care to his appearance. Weymouth’s Tyne, the seal, came in second at around 70kg. He is expected to gain an additional 15 kilograms this winter to keep him warm.

Also waddling their way to an impressive weight are SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s colony of Gentoo penguins, with Daley leading the charge at 6.69 kilograms. Small but mighty, weighing in at 27.5 and 22.8 kilograms (respectively) were Ozzy and Ola, the UK’s first rescued Alaskan sea otters.

Poised to make a stinging splash in London, were 350 jellyfish, which form the UK’s largest jellyfish experience. Not to be forgotten were the rescued Terrapins who now call the newly refurbished Rainforest Adventure zone at the famous South Bank attraction home. With their tape measures in hand Aquarists at SEA LIFE London measured their shells which on average are 30cm.

However, SEA LIFE centres’ annual ‘Count and Clean' stocktake is more than just a spruce and shell-count. Aquarists use this time to conduct comprehensive health checks, strengthen the strong bonds they have with the creatures, and record any new arrivals whilst sprucing up the residents’ marine homes ready to gleam for guests in 2025.

Speaking of London’s annual event, SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s General Manager Catherine Pritchard said: “Count and Clean is one of our most cherished and important activities at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. It’s our annual opportunity to take stock of all the new arrivals we've welcomed over the past year. 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.”

Amy Langham, General Manager at the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham added: “This dedicated time allows us to meticulously deep clean the habitats and ensure a pristine and healthy environment for all our creatures. It's a labour of love that ensures everyone is ready for a splash-tastic New Year!”

The annual event allows SEA LIFE centres in the UK to take part in international breeding programmes, alongside the other SEA LIFE centres around the world. This includes the SEA LIFE Trust, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), and the European Union of Aquarium Curators (EUAC) studbook programmes which aim to conserve the healthy population of animals.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium, situated on the South Bank, is open seven days a week. For the latest opening times, feeding times, prices and more see http://www.visitsealife.com/london/