This year we’re taking a big step in collection record keeping by uploading all of our records to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). ZIMS for husbandry is a widely used data collection system which allows keepers at any institution across the world to upload everything from when a specific animal (or group of animals) joins their collection, to permits, behavioral observations, medical history, treatments, and other valuable specimen information. In addition to being used as a detailed record log, this information is then transferable through ZIMS between institutions if an animal is relocated.
ZIMS allows for a full online life history of any animal in captivity, anywhere in the world. This is an exciting advancement for the vivarium collection and we look forward to being fully digitized very soon.
Digitally cataloging an entire collection however, is quite a task. Luckily for us, we have a highly valued/great team of volunteers at the vivarium that are an enormous help with inputting ZIMS data.
Volunteers, such as John (pictured), have begun collecting specific measurements such as weight and snout to vent length to add even more detail into the ZIMS system. We’re very grateful for this extra help as we work through digitally entering the entire collection. As they say, many hands make light frogs- erm, work!
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