Zoological Parks Authority - Parliament of Western Australia - The ...

Zoological Parks Authority ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Agency Performance – Report on Operations
Directorate Reports
Community Engagement Directorate
Overview
The Community Engagement Directorate
comprises five sections – discovery and
learning, visitor services, interpretation and
communication, facilities and environmental
services, and horticulture. These areas
contribute significantly to the experience of
Zoo visitors, to conservation and sustainability
messaging both on-site and off-site, and to the
presentation of the Zoo.
In 2011-12, there was an increased focus on
partnerships and community outreach including
collaborations with Nature Play WA and other
Government agencies in the Environment and
Culture and the Arts portfolios. The Zoo’s
Wildlife Conservation Action community
fundraising program was reviewed with new
application and reporting guidelines developed,
and new memoranda of understandings
were negotiated with our not for profit
conservation partners.
Significant work was also undertaken on
monitoring and reducing waste, energy and
water use as well as improvements in recycling
and development of alternative energy sources.
Outcomes
Discovery and Learning
The Zoo continued to broaden its focus beyond
school groups and expand its Discovery and
Learning products and services with new
partnerships and the diversification of existing
education programs and services. There
was a concerted effort to improve the reach
to rural and remote areas, and encourage
Indigenous participation and access by schools
and communities.
Initiatives included a new pilot Perth Zoo
Mobile Outreach Unit to help expand the Zoo’s
educational reach. The aim of the conservation
focused metropolitan outreach program is
to develop awareness and appreciation of
our wildlife and promote key conservation
messages. The outreach unit provides an
opportunity for close interaction with small
Perth Zoo animals alongside Zoo staff to
help foster a connection and commitment
to wildlife and environmental protection. The
trial mobile outreach program began in June
with school groups involved in an Adopt a
Bushland program.
During the year, the Zoo was awarded a $5,000
grant through the Inspiring Australia science
initiative to support the trial of a “Living with
Wildlife” program for newly arrived refugee
families and children. This program will begin
in 2012-13 in partnership with the Save the
Children’s Fund. It will provide participants with
an understanding and appreciation of native
Australian wildlife, the need for conservation,
the skills and knowledge to respond
appropriately to native species and a chance to
meet some Australian animals.
In 2011-12, Perth Zoo continued to focus on
local wildlife in its community action campaign
activities. A series of public awareness and
education activities including programs
for school groups, holiday activities and a
photographic exhibition were presented
to encourage community pride, value and
conservation action. The community action
campaign plan embraces
the work of the
cross-agency Love
Your Local Wildlife
initiative.
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