London Zoo's western lowland gorilla Kumbuka gives photographers a fright during annual stock check

 
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Robin de Peyer2 January 2014

One gorilla didn't take kindly to attempts by staff at London Zoo to carry out their annual stock check.

When photographers arrived at the enclosure which is home to Kumbuka, the zoo's 15-year-old male western lowland gorilla, he reacted in spectacular fashion.

Ripping a sign off a tree from inside the enclosure, he tossed it at the helpless cameramen - before turning round to ram home the point by giving them a clear view of his backside.

Full moon: The Gorilla shows what he thinks of a mass of photographers Picture: Jeff Moore

The angry reaction may well be down to the fact that it is his first experience of the stock take, having only been brought to the capital from Paignton Zoo in Devon early last year.

Bad signs: The gorilla chucks away the zoo's notice Picture: Jeff Moore

Every creature, from tiny leafcutter ants to Kumbuka and his fellow gorillas, is included in the count, which this year took note of the first spiny-headed lizards to be born in Britain, along with other endangered species.

Zoological manager Mark Habben said: "All of the keeping staff at London are out with their animals and keeping an eye on how they have been over the last year.

Smashing time: He hurls the notice at a tree Picture: Jeff Moore

"Any new births are recorded and we log all of that information so that it's accessible for other animal collections."

He added: "2013 was a very successful year for us breeding wise. We had our female tapir give birth so we have got a young tapir here on exhibit which is fantastic."

Serious: The gorilla takes the sign in his hands Picture: Jeff Moore

The results of the count will be shared with other zoos around the world to help out with breeding programmes.

View our full gallery of the stock check here.

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