ZV Annual Report 2005-06.pdf - Zoos Victoria

Bringing us togetherZoos Victoria Annual Report 2005/06Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo

Our Vision:We build enduring relationships between peopleand wildlife for a future in which humans livein balance with the natural world.Our Purpose:To lead, inspire and empower everyone toconnect with wildlife, build knowledge, developskills and take informed action to conserve thenatural world.Zoos Victoria:

Three great zoos connecting people to wildlife.

Inside this reportA Message fromthe Chairman,Tina McMeckan4Animal Care andManagement and FieldConservationFrom the ChiefExecutive Officer,Laura Mumaw6Tracking Tenkile:Supporting theTenkile ConservationAllianceConnecting care:The AustralianWildlife HealthCentre at HealesvilleSanctuary827Auditor General’sReport28Accountable Officer’sand Chief Finance andAccounting Officer’sdeclarationOperating Statement59Cash Flow Statements60Notes to the FinancialStatements61Zoos Victoriaorganisationalstructure6465882

Zoos VictoriaCommunity Engagementand Building KnowledgePlanting for thefuture: WerribeeOpen Range Zoo101520Veterinary CareZoos VictoriaHighlights byPropertyFinancialSummary505358Balance SheetStatement ofRecognised Incomeand Expense6263RegulationsDisclosure Index89993

A Message from the Chairman,Tina McMeckanZoos Victoria has this year forgedahead with a range of innovativeprojects that have demonstratedhow our three zoos are woven intothe life of Victorians. As westrengthen our links withindividuals and with our local,national and internationalcommunities, so we enhance ourability to motivate Victorians to actto conserve wildlife and its habitat.A good example of the role our zoos play in creatingthese links was seen during the 2006 CommonwealthGames. With the Queen’s Baton visiting both HealesvilleSanctuary and Melbourne Zoo on its journey to theGames Opening Ceremony, Werribee Open Range Zoowas the venue for an official welcome to the SouthAfrican Commonwealth Games team. Some 1500members of the local community also attended a specialfree screening of the Opening Ceremony at Werribee.There are many individuals and organisations whomerit our appreciation for their support this year. Theserange from members of the community entrusting injuredwildlife to the care of the new Australian Wildlife HealthCentre (AWHC) at Healesville Sanctuary; to majorcorporate partners making significant contributions tohelp realise our vision; to the Victorian families who ‘votewith their feet’ by returning to our zoos time after time.4

We acknowledge the strong support of the StateGovernment of Victoria, which this year endorsed ourLong Term Strategy to revitalise our three great zooswith a $20 million commitment to redevelop MelbourneZoo’s seal pool into a whole new coastal precinct –Stories from the Sea.The Department of Sustainability and Environment,along with the Department of Education and Trainingand the Catholic Education Office, Tourism Victoria, andthe Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporationhave also provided valuable assistance this year.Among the corporate partners due for specificacknowledgement is RACV, which committed $1 millionto support the AWHC. The Commonwealth Bank alsomade a significant contribution with $300,000 funding fora database and website to add yet another layer to thefabulous AWHC experience.Melbourne Water has been another valuable supporterthis year, contributing $400,000 to the development ofan innovative new Water Discovery Trail throughMelbourne Zoo to promote water recycling and cleanwaterways messages.We again thank BHP Billiton and Holden Australia fortheir support over recent years. Key contributions havealso been made by commercial partners CadburySchweppes and Nestle Peters.The many contractors who have worked with suchdedication and commitment with our own staff overthe last 12 months to overcome the unique challengesof designing and building new zoo experiences alsodeserve our thanks.Meanwhile, our 56,700 Friends of the Zoos warrantspecial acknowledgement for their support – in particularthe 660 FOTZ volunteer guides who provide invaluableassistance to zoos staff and visitors alike.No review of any year is complete without a hugethank-you to the Zoos Victoria staff, whose commitmentand passion is truly inspiring.Finally, I also extend my personal thanks to membersof the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board. We farewellMr Rod Gowans, who is retiring after three years, andwhose valuable contribution in the areas of biodiversityand conservation has been given enthusiastically. I amlooking forward to continuing to work so productively withremaining members, Ms Dione Gilmour, Mr Nick Whitby,Ms Prudence Sanderson, Ms Lee Watts and AssociateProfessor Andrew Vizard.Tina McMeckanChairman5

From the Chief Executive Officer,Laura MumawThis year, Zoos Victoria continuedrolling out its vision to transformthe State’s three great zoos intoworld-class centres for animalcare, building knowledge,community engagement, fieldconservation and sustainability.Together, our zoos continue to bethe State’s largest paid visitorattraction, to play significantroles in tourism and regionaldevelopment, and remainamong Victoria’s top ‘outside-theclassroom’educators.6

A major emphasis this year was our zoos’ specialistcapacity to care for wildlife – and through that care, buildon our links with the community. This was showcasedthrough a very special visitor experience, the newAustralian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) at HealesvilleSanctuary. This unique, $6 million facility bringsbehind-the-scenes vet hospital work to front-of-house –providing visitors with a first-hand experience of animalrescue, rehabilitation and release.We acknowledge with gratitude the contributions ofthe State Government, RACV, the Commonwealth Bank,and Friends of the Zoos to this landmark project. We alsoacknowledge the many staff who helped create the AWHCand, by sharing their personal work with our visitors,make the experience come alive. The AWHC has beenrecognised with a range of awards, including theAustralasian Zoos Association Large Scale Exhibits Award(2006) and the William Wardell Award for InstitutionalArchitecture (2006) to architect Minifie Nixon. Our role inthe rescue and treatment of injured wildlife was furtherextended by Wildlife Connect, an innovative newinitiative in partnership with RACV.Zoos Victoria’s work connecting people with wildlife thisyear extended through the local, into the national andindeed international arena. A major achievement wasthe endorsement of our Asian Elephant ConservationProgram by the Federal Government, by an independenttribunal, and by key Thai wildlife agencies. Stage 2 ofMelbourne Zoo’s Trail of the Elephants was launched,complete with mud wallows, a wading pool, and a newheated barn, in readiness for the arrival of three youngfemale domestic Asian Elephants.With the finalisation of the Zoos Victoria ConservationStrategy, several flagship conservation projects wereidentified to receive multi-faceted support and resources.Among these were the Tenkile Conservation Alliance’sprogram to protect the Scott’s Tree Kangaroo in theTorricelli Mountain Ranges in Papua New Guinea. Theadmirable work carried out by two former Melbourne Zoostaff, Jim and Jean Thomas, who lead this program, wasgiven a ringing endorsement when Zoos Victoria received$56,529 from the Department of Environment andHeritage Regional Natural Heritage Program to support it.Construction was completed on the final suite of projectsfunded by the State Government as part of a $32 millioncommitment to upgrade and develop our three great zoos.Hippos are being readied at Werribee Open Range Zoo tomove to their new Kubu River Hippos home, while orangutansare getting prepared to take up residence inMelbourne Zoo’s new Orang-utan Sanctuary. We lookforward to launching these magnificent new experiencesto the Victorian community very soon.Laura MumawChief Executive OfficerWorld Association of Zoos and AquariumsTreasurer and Education Committee Convenor7

Connecting care:The Australian Wildlife HealthCentre at Healesville SanctuaryVisit our website www.zoo.org.au to hear more.

The Australian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) provides a direct physical connectionbetween Healesville Sanctuary’s expert vets and members of the community whobring in some 1500 injured, sick and orphaned native animal for treatment each year.The AWHC also connects visitors into the work of the Sanctuary, having been purposebuiltto give visitors a firsthand look at the day-to-day activities of its vets and keepers.Today, wildlife carer Jenny has brought in an orphaned baby wombat (or ‘joey’) fora check-up. Keeper Jocelyn Hockley explains:“This little guy was found by a member of the public after his mother was hit by a car.Now unfortunately mum was killed in that accident, but he didn’t have an injury onhim and that’s not unusual when we find these little guys. But obviously they still needsome fairly intensive care, because they are still babies and need the milk they wouldbe getting from mum.”This joey was found by a member of the public who had the presence of mind to callone of Victoria’s volunteer wildlife rescue networks.“Jenny is one of Victoria’s volunteer wildlife carers who are licensed to look afterinjured, orphaned or sick animals. Members of the public encountering such ananimal can contact carer networks around the State for assistance,” Jocelyn says.“Alternatively, Victorian motorists coming across injured animals on the roads cancall RACV Wildlife Connect on 13 11 11 for connection to a wildlife carer network.”A community service resulting from a partnership between Zoos Victoria and RACV,Wildlife Connect was launched in February, 2006 and is already connecting dozensof callers with wildlife carers every month.Vet Dr Rupert Baker says the AWHC is unique in offering expert vet care for nativeanimals for free. These services help out both wildlife carers and members of thepublic who otherwise may not know where to take wildlife needing treatment.“Together it’s a great team because we both need each other to work really wellto get the final product which is those animals back in the wild.”Rupert says the AWHC also provides visitors to the Sanctuary with unique access tovets, keepers and animals that sets the scene for a bigger experience than just learningsomething new.“Everybody gets a chance to see what’s happening – and baby joeys are just fantastic,aren’t they? When you get a chance to see them up close – they’re just wonderful.Part of my day, every day, I stop and think how lucky I am, being able to look at themup close and check them over.”Volunteer wildlife carer Jenny Mattingley says the AWHC is a great back-up for herand she feels huge confidence in the care and advice provided by the vets and otherstaff there.“At the Sanctuary, the people have studied wildlife and they do know what theyare talking about… I suppose they feel the same way I do: that it’s our wildlife andwe should be looking after it.”9

Zoos VictoriaObjectives and Performance TableMZ Melbourne Zoo HS Healesville Sanctuary WORZ Werribee Open Range Zoo ZV Zoos VictoriaCustomers andCommunity Actions ResultsProvideoutstandingvisitorexperienceProvide activediscovery andlifelong learningHS opens new $6 millionAustralian Wildlife Health Centre(AWHC) and revamped frontentrance.MZ launches $3.5 million Stage 2,Trail of the Elephants, opens anew Australia Bush precinct, andcompletes construction of a new$5 million water recycling plantthat will reduce the zoo’s drinkingwater use by up to half. New visitorexperience initiatives introducedincluding Keeper Kapers andBeastly Breakfasts.WORZ completes construction ofthe new $6.5 million Kubu RiverHippos exhibit and a new GiraffeFeeding Platform. Mid-weekCorporate Slumber Safarisintroduced.Education programs tailored inline with Department of Educationreprioritisations.AWHC generates 10,000 extra paid visitors to HSas budgeted.AWHC wins Australasian Zoos Association Large ScaleExhibits Award (2006)AWHC Architect Minifie Nixon wins the VictorianArchitecture Awards – William Wardell Award forInstitutional Architecture (2006).BHP Billiton Platypusary wins the VictorianArchitecture Awards (2006) – Award for InstitutionalArchitecture and jointly wins the InterpretationAustralia (2005) – Award for Excellence in HeritageInterpretation.MZ maintains visitation levels above those in the yearprior (01/02) to launch of Trail of the Elephants Stage 1.6500 visitors attend early-morning Beastly Breakfastsessions through January 2006.WORZ maintains visitation levels at 30 per centabove levels in the year prior (02/03) to opening Lionson the Edge.Slumber Safari wins Victorian Tourism Awards UniqueAccommodation for second year in row and experiences23 per cent increase in patronage.Secured Department of Education and Training threeyeargrant in an endorsement of the value of ZV’s‘outside-the-classroom’ programs.ZV remains among the State’s biggest ‘outside-theclassroom’educators with 155,100 schools visitors.WORZ wins Victorian Association for EnvironmentalEducation 2005 Environmental Educator of the YearAward.HS Vet for a Day program wins Australasian ZoosAssociation’s Education Award.10

Undertake andlead conservationresearch programsSecure communityparticipation andsupportLeadershipProvide leadershipand directionEnsure financial sustainabilityEnsure financialsustainabilityOur PeopleDevelop productiveworkforce andwork environmentSystems and AssetsProvide effectivesustainablemanagementsystems responsiveto a dynamicenvironmentFinalise ZV Conservation Strategyincluding identifying priorityprograms.Identify key research areas.Secure corporate partnerships tofurther ZV’s mission and goals.Increase public understanding ofthe Zoos’ activities and role.Involve the community in the Zoos’activities and programs.Seek State Government support fornext stage of Zoos Victoria LongTerm Strategy.Increase revenue while controllingcosts.Review OHS reporting andstandards.Implement employee performanceplan system.Increased funds directed to assetmaintenance and renewal.ZV priority conservation program by TenkileConservation Alliance obtains $56,529 grant from theDepartment of Environment and Heritage RegionalNatural Heritage Program.Successful releases into the wild of HelmetedHoneyeaters, Orange-bellied Parrots, and EasternBarred Bandicoots.Key research areas identified (animal health andhusbandry, wildlife introduction, biodiversity evaluationand visitor impact).Secured $1 million partnership with RACV to supportthe AWHC and establish the new Wildlife Connectservice for motorists dealing with injured wildlife.WORZ provided reception venue for South AfricanCommonwealth Games team and free communityaccess to a big screen showing of the CommonwealthGames Opening Ceremony, attracting 1500 visitors.Secured $20 million Government funding for MZ’s sealpool redevelopment – Stories from the Sea.Revenue increased in the 05/06 financial year onpreceding financial year.Operating cost growth maintained well below inflation.Nearly $1 million set aside for future asset renewal anddevelopment.OHS performance benchmarked against best practiceand action plan developed.Lost time injury reduced by 43 per cent on precedingyear.Roll-out of Zoo Employee Performance Plan systemcommenced.$2.38 million spent on asset maintenance and renewal– $380,000 more than preceding year.11

Visitation achievementsZoos Victoria has demonstrated that its approach toupgrading and developing the State’s three zoos getsresults, with total visitation still at five per cent higher(71,000 visitors) than the benchmark year of 2001/02 –before the launch of the first Long Term Strategy capitalproject, Melbourne Zoo’s Trail of the Elephants.• Zoos Victoria is the largest paid visitor attractionin the State, with 1,129,690 paying visitors per year(of a total 1,452,781).• Werribee Open Range Zoo has sustained visitationlevels at 30 per cent since the opening of Lions onthe Edge in January 2004.• Melbourne Zoo is still receiving 4 per cent morevisitors than it did before Trail of the Elephantsopened in March 2003.• Healesville Sanctuary received 10,000 extra visitors –as budgeted – following the launch of the AustralianWildlife Health Centre in December 2005.As the biggest attractor of paying visitors in the State, ourthree zoos together continue to grow Victorian tourismand regional development. Zoos Victoria’s productiveco-operation with Tourism Victoria is strengthened witha formal Memorandum of Understanding.• Victorian Tourism Awards (2005) – Winner‘Unique Accommodation’ – Slumber Safari,Werribee Open Range Zoo.• Victorian Tourism Awards (2005) – Merit Award‘Significant Tourist Attraction’ – Werribee OpenRange Zoo.12

Visitor numbers 2005/06DetailsMelbourne‘000Healesville‘000Werribee‘000Total‘000Zoo All Visitation* 928 292 233 1453After Hours Function Visitation 42 3 13 58Total Visitation 970 295 246 1511*includes Schools Visitation 97 33 25 155Online ‘unique’ visitors 855Visitor source 2005/06REGIONAL VICTORIA 12%INTERSTATE 9%OVERSEAS 16%METROPOLITAN VICTORIA 63%13

Financial achievementsZoos Victoria continues to maximise the benefits providedby capital developments opened in the last five years tomaintain visitation levels and grow commercial revenue.Meanwhile, we are successfully working to constrainoperating expenditure – leaving more funds available forasset maintenance and renewal.Financial achievements in the last financial year include:• Commercial revenue grown by 1.3 per cent.• Total operating revenue increased by $198,000 on theprevious year.• $2.38 million spent on asset renewal – $380,000more than the previous year.• Operating cost growth excluding asset renewal keptwell below inflation.• Nearly $1 millon set aside for asset renewal anddevelopment.Zoos Victoria Long Term Strategycapital development achievementsThe State Government’s 2002 capital fundingcommitment of $32 million has kick-started the processof transforming all three properties into modern, dynamiczoos that set world standards.A major achievement this year was the launch of the newAustralian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuaryby the Premier, Steve Bracks, in December, 2005.Until now, many people have been unaware that a majorpart of Healesville Sanctuary’s work is the treatment ofrescued wildlife – with some 1500 native animals andbirds treated each year after being brought in by membersof the public and wildlife carers. Now this work is on fullpublic display in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility.• Australasian Zoos Association Large Scale ExhibitsAward (2006) – Australian Wildlife Health Centre• William Wardell Award for InstitutionalArchitecture (2006) – Australian Wildlife HealthCentre architect Minifie NixonThis year the State Government endorsed Stage 2 ofZoos Victoria’s Long Term Strategy, providing a$20 million commitment to replace Melbourne Zoo’sdeteriorating seal pool with a new Stories from the Seaprecinct.Other achievements included:• Kubu River Hippos (Werribee Open Range Zoo):Construction completed and animals in process ofbeing moved in with opening date September 2006.• Orang-utan Sanctuary (Melbourne Zoo): Constructioncompleted and animals in process of being movedwith scheduled opening date October 2006.• Water Recycling Plant and Melbourne WaterDiscovery Trail: launched August 2006.A major focus during the year was gaining FederalGovernment approval for the Australasian ZoosAssociation Asian Elephant Conservation Program,including the import of three Asian Elephants fromThailand to Melbourne Zoo. The Federal Governmentapproval of this program was endorsed by the AustralianAdministrative Appeals Tribunal following a legal appeal.It was further supported by Thai wildlife authorities, andby an intergovernmental agreement between the Thai,Victorian and New South Wales governments.The three captive-born young female elephants areexpected to arrive at Melbourne Zoo in late 2006,following a quarantine period in the Cocos (Keeling)Islands. We look forward to receiving these three newmembers of our elephant family. They will add extraimpetus to our ability to create personal connectionsbetween our visitors and Asian Elephants, resulting ingreater understanding of the challenges faced by thismagnificent species and ultimately, a desire to act to helpsave it.14

Community Engagement andBuilding Knowledge• Each year, Zoos Victoria helps 1.5 million on-sitevisitors and 1 million online visitors connect toanimals and the environment.• We increase the community’s knowledge of thechoices we can make to improve the environmentand save wildlife.• We involve the community with us in actions tocare for wildlife and the environment.• We set examples for an environmentally sustainableexistence.• We share a sense of fun, and a sense that we are allpart of the natural world.• We undertake research and gather knowledge toimprove our understanding of the challenges facingthe natural world and how we can help meet them.• We continually assess and evaluate our ownpractices so we can improve them.• We share knowledge and skills with externalorganisations and communities to assist in thecare and conservation of wildlife.• Hong Kong Design Awards 2005 – Merit Awardsfor Zoos Victoria 2003 and 2004 Annual Reports –designed by Eade Evans.On-site visitorsIn 2005/06, Zoos Victoria continued to engage nearly1.5 million visitors by providing them with unique andspecial experiences and giving them opportunities tomake direct personal connection with wildlife.Exit surveys conducted at all three properties showeda high level of visitor satisfaction, with a significantnumber of visitors acknowledging conservation andeducation benefits from their visit.Online visitorsVisitation to the Zoos Victoria website continued to grow,with a 33 per cent increase in ‘unique’ visitors on thepreceding year and a 23 per cent increase in data beingdownloaded. Zoos Victoria will build on thecommunications, education and business benefitsprovided by the web with its Website RedevelopmentProject to be completed in the next financial year.The Zoos Victoria website, interactive multimediainstallations, and video conferencing facilities increaseaccessibility to zoo expertise and information for schoolsboth on- and off-site. A quarterly e-newsletter nowconnects more than 1700 subscribed educators at schools,cultural organisations and training institutions with whatis happening at Zoos Victoria.Visitor exit survey 2006100%80%60%40%20%0%OverallvisitorsatisfactionHelping youlearn somethingnew aboutanimalsHelping you learnsomething newabout conservationand the environmentA place forchildren tohave funA place foradults tohave funShowinganimalsin naturalsettingsShowing ahigh standardof care forthe animalsMelbourne Zoo Healesville Sanctuary Werribee Open Range Zoo15

With the generous support of the Commonwealth Bank,this year also saw the completion of the multimediacomponents of the innovative new Australian WildlifeHealth Centre (AWHC). This includes the new AWHCwebsite, a new veterinary database and six interactivetouchscreen terminals installed within the AWHC. Allthese items are interconnected, allowing visitors on- andoff-site to access and view selected patient records alongwith aspects of veterinary technology such as Coolscopemicroscopes and computed tomography scans.Discovery and LearningSchoolsZoos Victoria continued to be among the State’s largest‘outside-the-classroom’ educators, providing servicesfor 155,100 students (11 per cent of total visitation).An additional 10,042 students, teachers and membersof the community were engaged in activities includingProfessional Development, All Day Zoo Adventures,Zoo Snoozzz and community based events.A strong and innovative application by the Discovery andLearning Team resulted in Zoos Victoria securing fundingfor three years of Department of Education and Trainingfor four programs: Learning to Learn – Laying theFoundations (Early Years), Learning to Connect –Building Breadth and Depth (Middle Years), Learning toLive – Developing Pathways (Later Years), and Thinkingto Learn – Creative Solutions to Real Life Challenges(Gifted and High Potential students). The departmentnoted the high quality of services offered by Zoos Victoria.During the year, Discovery and Learning continued itspro-active leadership role within the educationcommunity and supported schools in the implementationof the new Victorian Education Learning Standards(VELS) framework. This included provision of excitingnew flexible learning options; cutting-edge teacherprofessional learning programs (eg Community of Enquiryat Trail of the Elephants and Plantastic Adventurein conjunction with the Horticulture Department);community partnerships for authentic learning(eg Investing in Nesting and the Orang-utan BrowsePlantation Partnership Project); Information Technologyinnovation (eg AWHC website and multimedia); andteaching excellence (eg Trees, Paws and Claws and BHPBilliton Waterways Community Conservation Project –both showcased as exemplary case studies on theDepartment of Education and Training Knowledge Bank).16

Nine flagship VELS programs (three at each campus)have been developed to support teachers implementingthe VELS, and new program notes, curriculum materialand teacher professional learning opportunities willcontinue to be developed. Updated or new VictorianCertificate of Education programs in Biology, Psychologyand Philosophy, and existing programs for EnvironmentalScience, Geography and Chemistry, also providedadditional opportunities for students to apply classroombasedlearning in a real setting, with hands-on resourcesand expert insight. Melbourne Zoo also joined forces thisyear with the Gene Technology Access Centre in Parkvilleto conduct a joint student conference on Genetics.Feedback received from visiting teachers demonstrateshigh ratings for the quality of the Discovery andLearning experiences and their relevance to theVictorian curriculum.Zoos Victoria Discovery and Learning – Teacher Feedback543210Relevance tocurriculumStudents wereengaged by educatorExpectations of theprogram metAppropriate contentfor studentsMelbourne Zoo Healesville Sanctuary Werribee Open Range ZooTable shows average response rated on a scale of 1 (low satisfaction) – 5 (high satisfaction)17

Community-based learningJune 2006 saw the launch of the pilot Orang-utan BrowsePlantation Partnership Project with three schools (StMonica’s Primary School, Whitefriars College andCamberwell Secondary College) from across thegovernment, independent and Catholic education sectors.The new Investing in Nesting program – a project linkingDiscovery and Learning, Mackillop Catholic CollegeWerribee and numerous support schools to achieve realconservation outcomes – was launched at Werribee OpenRange Zoo.Discovery and Learning teams at all campuses were alsoinvolved in promoting student and communityinvolvement in a range of environmental activitiesincluding building frog ponds, drain stencilling, hostingfrog spotlighting events, conducting water monitoring,assisting Waterwatch training, tree planting and CleanUp Australia Day activities. At Healesville Sanctuary,Discovery and Learning worked in conjunction with theShire of Yarra Ranges to conduct the communityinformation event ‘Living with Wildlife’, and with Zart Artto produce an interesting new art product based onwildlife x-rays. Educators at each campus also continuedto be actively involved with the Royal Children’s Hospitalto deliver fun, educational television segments for youngpatients.Friends of the ZoosZoos Victoria this year continued its strong relationshipwith Friends of the Zoos (FOTZ).FOTZ maintains a vibrant membership that directs allsubscription funds – minus working costs – to the zoosand provides a large volunteer workforce. FOTZ alsocarries out additional fundraising activities, with thesemonies directed to a diverse range of zoo projects.FOTZ Membership on 30 June, 2006, was 56,704, withthe bulk of membership made up of young families.FOTZ paid Zoos Victoria $1.1 million in entry fees forits members and also made available further fundingto assist with projects across properties. Since theestablishment of FOTZ, total donations to the threezoos have exceeded $10 million.In 2005/06, $175,000 was spent on completing theupgrade and redevelopment of AusBush (native faunaexhibit) at Melbourne Zoo. The Orang-utan Sanctuary,also at Melbourne Zoo, received $250,000. A further$100,000 each was allocated to the development of anIcon Trail at Healesville Sanctuary and redevelopment ofthe Volcanic Plains Walk at Werribee Open Range Zoo.FOTZ’s annual donations are divided into threecategories: Living Gifts Sponsorship, Dunbavin ButcherScholarships for Zoos Victoria staff, and the BehaviouralEnrichment program. Living Gifts donations in 2005/06were $40,000. Three scholarships were awarded for 2006to a total value of $24,486. Each property received a total$10,000 each for behavioural enrichment activities.Additionally, the cork recycling program funded $60,000for hydraulic gates in Trail of the Elephants atMelbourne Zoo.18

More than 70,000 hours were contributed through theFOTZ volunteer program that coordinates 660 membersover the three properties. Based on the zoos’ casual staffrate, this equates to a labour donation of an estimated$1.5 million. Volunteers also continued to promote corkrecycling throughout Victoria in support of the MelbourneZoo Asian Elephant program. Members of the FOTZspeakers’ panel talked about the zoo in 117 addressesto community organisations. FOTZ also distributedsome 19,000 copies of its Zoo News magazine eachquarter, ran numerous activities, provided training fornew volunteer recruits and assisted in a multitude oftasks at all properties.FOTZ is proud to continue building on the financial andvolunteer contribution it makes to Zoos Victoria’s wildlifeexperience, education, conservation and research.Community InclusivenessZoos Victoria actively engages with all sectors of thecommunity, including indigenous and culturally andlinguistically diverse communities. The CommonwealthGames in March 2006 was a particular focus for ZoosVictoria community activities this year, with theCommonwealth Games Baton Relay passing through bothMelbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Meanwhile,Werribee Open Range Zoo (WORZ) was the venue for theofficial welcome to Australia of the South AfricanCommonwealth Games team. WORZ also attracted some1500 visitors to a free outdoor screening of theCommonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.Through its Rhythm of Africa music season, WORZcontinues to build links into local African communities.Melbourne Zoo has also established strong connectionsinto the local Thai community in line with relationshipsin Thailand as part of the Zoos Victoria Asian ElephantConservation Program. As the custodian of the culturallysignificant Coranderrk Reserve, Healesville Sanctuary hasstrong links with the local indigenous communityincluding Murrundindi, Ngurangaeta and local Elder ofthe Wurundjeri. The Sanctuary promotes the Burra BurraYan Indigenous Walking Tour, led by Murrundindi, as oneof its products. The work of Healesville SanctuaryCustomer Relations Officer, Kevin Mason, PSM, wasrecognised with a 2006 NAIDOC Community RecognitionAward, Eastern Region – sponsored by Yarra ValleyAboriginal Elders.This year also saw the first steps in the development ofthe exciting new Youth at the Zoo (YATZ) program,implemented with the assistance of community leadersfrom the Committee for Melbourne. YATZ aims toencourage young people to feel a greater sense ofownership and involvement in the activities of the zoosand to show leadership in business and conservation. Aninitial board of five students aged 13 to 18 was founded inAugust 2005 and has since grown to 10 members. Workingin conjunction with an Advisory Panel of Young Leaders inthe fields of Law, Accounting, Communications, Designand Zoo Keeping, the group is working to create abusiness proposal to present to the Zoo Board forconsideration in December 2006. Following acceptance bythe Zoo Board, it is planned to launch Instinct (Youth atthe Zoo) in January 2007, with the aim that this youthgroup functions as a self-funding program.19

Planting for the future:Werribee Open Range ZooVisit our website www.zoo.org.au to hear more.

Since Werribee Open Range Zoo started its Werribee River bank restoration programeight years ago, hundreds of people have seen how this zoo’s care for the environmentgoes beyond just its exotic animals.The zoo holds regular tree-planting days on the banks of the river, involving school andcommunity groups in rejuvenating the landscape.Today, Year 9 students from Thomas Carr College in Tarneit have been here since9.30am and have already planted 50 trees under the guidance of zoo horticulturalist,Maarten Hulzebosch.“It’s all indigenous stuff. It is all stuff that naturally should occur here and alreadydoes and some of the species don’t occur naturally on the property but occur only(a few) hundred metres upstream,” Maarten says.Among the species being replanted is a eucalyptus called Blue Box of which there is arare subspecies exclusive to the banks of the Werribee River.“It is estimated that we had only about 400 to 500 trees left on the entire WerribeeRiver, and we have already planted within the property possibly 700 to 800 (more).And they’re doing very well.”Maarten says it has been hugely satisfying to see the gradual improvement of thelandscape from weed-infested to again capable of sustaining indigenous species.“It’s nice to see it reasonably natural and it’s even better to see wildlife coming backto these areas.”Maarten says the benefits of having community and school groups help with theplanting stretch beyond the extra physical assistance.“Especially with these young people now (it’s good) to talk about the environment andeven joke: ‘You might come here one day to show your kids the trees you have planted’.“And I can imagine that even if a little bit of that hangs on in their heads, they mightappreciate the natural vegetation along any creek or any river or lake – instead ofsaying: ‘That’s just bush’.”Maarten says there has been a dramatic increase in bird and frog life in the wake ofthe planting program.Teacher Peter Murray says the program teaches students about the environment, witha couple of past students even going on to study horticulture and related professions.The program also assists in building students’ self-esteem as they learn and practisenew skills, Peter says.Student Tristan Mendes has a clear idea of the effects the trees he has helpedplant will have on local native animals. To Tristan, it’s a natural fit for a zoo tosupport this work.“The zoo’s about animals and making nice habitats for the animals to live, keepingthem safe … This tree-planting, it also helps them to live. It helps form the habitatfor them.”Fellow student Brittany Haining agrees: “I think it’s a really good experience to comehere and learn about our earth and how we can help save it.”21

Zoos Victoria FoundationThe role of the Zoos Victoria Foundation is to developand maintain a sustainable funding base for Zoos Victoriathrough the delivery of outstanding corporatepartnerships and individual giving programs, which helpbuild relationships and engage our supporters inextending Zoos Victoria activities.The Zoos Victoria Foundation generates support andfunds through a range of programs involving the corporateand philanthropic sectors as well as the community. Thispast year has been one of significant change, with achange of name from Animis to Zoos Victoria Foundation,the commencement of the recruitment of an inauguralAdvisory Board, and the launch of three major corporatepartnerships. We are also grateful for the ongoing supportof our individual donors and the support of thecommunity through our Living Gifts program.In 2005/06, a major focus was placed on working withmajor corporate partners BHP Billiton, Melbourne Waterand the Commonwealth Bank.Zoos Victoria’s role in the rescue and treatment of injuredwildlife was further highlighted by an innovative new$1 million community-based partnership with RACV.Launched in February, 2006, the centrepiece of thepartnership was the new Wildlife Connect initiative. Anew community service for Victorians, Wildlife Connectprovides a central 24-hour-a-day telephone service for anyVictorian motorist who encounters injured wildlife on theroad. The service is accessible via the widely-knownRACV 13 11 11 number, through which motorists dealingwith injured wildlife are connected to local volunteerwildlife carers. Volunteer carers and their groupsincluding Help for Wildlife, Wildlife Victoria and theWildlife Rescue and Information Network are thebackbone of this initiative, which could not succeedwithout their magnificent work.22

Major PartnersBHP BillitonCadbury SchweppesCommonwealth BankFriends of the ZoosHolden AustraliaMelbourne WaterNestle PetersRACVMedia PartnersAustereoBuena VistaChannel 9Channel 7Herald SunLeader NewspapersNetwork TenThe AgeVillage RoadshowEvent PartnersBeringer Blass Wine EstatesShadowfax WineriesExhibit PartnersCIBA Specialty ChemicalsCommunity Support FundExxonMobilITW Hi-ConePrivacy VictoriaConservation PartnersGenetic TechnologiesGreenfleetHeritage VictoriaVeterinary PartnersGribblesPfizer Animal HealthCommunity PartnersArbonetAquatic Life SupportArnold Bloch LeiberAustralian Wheat BoardBraemar GraphicsBritz CampervansBunnings Hoppers CrossingBunnings NorthlandCCD Animal HealthCheetham SaltChiquita TradingColonial Weighing AustraliaCoprice FeedsDalton PaperDe Fazio Tiles and StoneElders HycubeEstablished Tree TransplantersFiltex FiltersFisher and PaykelFolk and AssociatesFreehillsHelp for WildlifeHusqvarnaJimicKefford CorporationLinfoxMailguardMajor MeatsMasterfoods - Uncle BensMattioli BrothersMega EnterpisesMelbourne Market AuthorityMurray GoulburnNational Foods LimitedOasis HorticultureOral-BOricaParchem ConstructionPet’s Own MilkPilkington GlassPink Lady ChocolatesRMITRUCC Pty LtdSpectrum DistributorsStoplineTip Top BakeriesUltrahawke Pty LtdVictoria UniversityVilla and HutVisy RecyclingWerribee Mercy HospitalWildlife Rescue & Information NetworkWildlife VictoriaIndividual SupportersAlan and Lorna HamiltonBetty LynchCecilia Dart-ThorntonChristine MiltonDr. Steve ColesMary PauwRon MelodyVenise Alstegren23

Trusts and FoundationsHelen Macpherson Smith TrustHGK FoundationJohn T Reid Charitable TrustsMerrin FoundationSir Colin and Lady Mackenzie TrustSnowee NomineesState TrusteesThe Cybec FoundationThe Ian Potter FoundationThe Merle Carroll Assistance FundThe Sidney Myer FundVictor Smorgon Charitable TrustMcGregor WestBequestsThe Estate of Agnes SaffronThe Estate of Alma Lillian MartinThe Estate of Donald RitchieThe Estate of Florence DavisThe Estate of Jean Margaret WebbThe Estate of Joan Liddell MillerThe Estate of Lois Dawn Watson &Patricia ManningThe Estate of Margaret Joyce GodboldThe Estate of Reginald GregoryThe Estate of Roma Adelaide ParkesThe Estate of Winifred MacKenzieAmbassadorsAnnette AllisonTracy BartramGraeme BaseVince ColosimoGeoff CoxSallianne DeckertBrigitte DuclosJohn Farnham, AOLindsay Fox, AODeborra-Lee FurnessRob GellMonica GrolloJo HallJennifer HansenBob HartPeter HitchenerKerri-Anne KennerleyJennifer KeyteMike LarkanTamsyn LewisColette MannTrevor MarmaladeKirstie MarshallBrian and Maree Mayfield-SmithLisa McCuneRove McManusMick MolloyJoy MurphyLivinia NixonPeter PhelpsJana PittmanLady Primrose Potter, AC, DLJDr James RamsdenDavid ReyneNaomi RobsonCatriona RowntreeKevin SheedyJudith SlocombeKylie SmithThe Right Honourable, The LordMayor of Melbourne, John SoBeverley Sutherland-SmithGary SweetMagda SzubanskiSigrid ThorntonMatt TilleyMerrick WattsMatt WelshMurrundindi24

Victoria 2005/06 Publications List**Additional information available from Zoos Victoria. A fee may be levied to provide this information.BooksHolz, P. (2006) Renal anatomy and physiology. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd Edition. Mader, D.R., ed. SaundersElsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. Pp 135-144.Swan, M.G. and Watharow, S. (2005) Snakes, Lizards and Frogs of the Victorian Mallee, CSIRO Publishing.Journal ArticlesAkers, L. (2005) Do Zoos have a role in modern society? LabTalk – Secondary Science Journal of STAV Vol 49 No.3:21-23.Banks, C. (2006) Kouprey Express – a mobile environmental education project. Oryx 40(1): 12.Desch, C.E., and Holz, P.H. (2006) Demodex tortellinioides n. sp. (Acari: Demodecidae) from the agile antechinus,Antechinus agilis Dickman, Parnaby, Crowther and King, 1998 (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in Australia.International Journal of Acarology. 32: 81-84.Finlay, Y. (2005) Oarsome Aquatic Adventures. Journal of the International Zoo Educators Association 41: 31-32.Hamann, M., Jessop, T. S., and Limpus C.J. (2005) Regional and annual variation in plasma steroids andmetabolic indicators of non-breeding and breeding female green turtles. Marine Biology 148: 427-433.Hamilton, P.B., Stevens, J.R., Gidley, J., Holz, P., and Gibson, W.C. (2005) A new lineage of trypanosomes fromAustralian vertebrates and terrestrial bloodsucking leeches (Haemadipsidae). International Journal for Parasitology35: 431-443.Holz, P.H., Beveridge, I., and Ross, T. (2005) Knemidocoptes intermedius in wild superb lyrebirds (Menuranovaehallandiae). Australian Veterinary Journal 83: 374-375.Holz, P.H., Naisbitt, R., and Mansell, P. (2006) Fitness level as a determining factor in the survival ofrehabilitated peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and brown goshawks (Accipiter fasciatus) released back into thewild. Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery. 20: 15-20.Holz, P.H., and Raidal, S.R. (2006) Comparative renal anatomy of exotic species. Veterinary Clinics of NorthAmerica: Exotic Animal Practice. 9: (1) 1-11.Jessop, T. S., and Hamann, M. (2005) Interplay between age class, sex and corticosterone stress responsiveness ingreen turtles (Chelonia mydas). Australian Journal of Zoology. Vol. 53: 131 – 136.Jessop, T. S., and Hamann, M. (2005) Stress proofed. Nature Australia 28: 14-18.Jessop, T. S., Madsen, T., Sumner, J., Rudiharto, H., Phillips, J. A., and Ciofi C. (2006) Maximum body sizeamong insular Komodo dragon populations covaries with large prey density. Oikos 112: 422-429.Jones, M. (2005) Africa out of Africa... or was it? Interpreting Australia 30: 12-13Manning, B. (2006) Angle-headed Dragons, egg viability following a caesarean section. Journal, Reptiles Australia2(1): 32-37.25

Conference ProceedingsBanks, C.B. (2005) Captive breeding and conservation programs for Australian frogs. Proc. 2005 EAZA Conference,Bath, UK.Banks, C.B. (2005) An in situ conservation program for the Philippine Crocodile, Crocodylus mindorensis. Proc.2005 EAZA Conference, Bath, UK.Barlow, S., and Hibbard, C. (2006) Going, going, gone...a zoo without exotic animals? Proc. ARAZPA AnnualConference, Perth 2006.Bodley, K.B., McCracken, H.E., Abraham, L.A., and McMeekin, B. (2005) Complications arising from tetanus ina maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Proc. Joint Conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians/American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians/Nutrition Advisory Group. (C. Baer, ed.) pp.177-179. Omaha, Nebraska.Bodley, K.B., McCracken, H.E., and Lynch, M.J. (2005) Dental disease in macropods at Melbourne Zoo. Proc. JointConference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians/American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians/NutritionAdvisory Group. (C. Baer, ed.) pp.243-246. Omaha, Nebraska.Davenport, D. (2006) Water Quality: Testing for Total and Faecal Coliforms Using Membrane Filter Technique.Proc. VNCA International Conference: Zoo and Wildlife Forum, Sydney 2006.Jones, D., and Jolly, L. (2005) The mane difference: how gender becomes an issue when training male and femalelions. Proc. Third Australasian Training & Conditioning Workshop “Make Magic Happen”, Perth 2005.Manning, B. (2006) Maximising the breeding success of the Helmeted Honeyeater lichenostomus melanops cassidixin captivity. Proc. 2nd International Congress on Zookeeping Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland 2006.Mumaw, L., Hunter, L., and Piteri, M. (2006) Zero Harm – A Cultural Journey. Proc. ARAZPA Annual Conference,Perth 2006.Rowe, R., and Knight, C. (2006) Acting locally, Melbourne Zoo’s approach to waste, water, weeds and wildlife. Proc.ARAZPA Annual Conference, Perth 2006.Roe, S., and Cleave, R. (2005) Are we just feeding carnivores or are we providing enrichment? Proc. 7thInternational Conference on Environmental Enrichment, hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society, New York City, NewYork, USA 2005.Rischbieth, J. (2006) Integrating conservation – how are zoo communications staff facing this challenge? Proc.ARAZPA Annual Conference, Perth 2006.Salverson, M. (2006) Zoo animal presentations – evidence of education evolution? Proc. 2nd International Congresson Zookeeping Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland 2006.Stych, I.B. (2006) Think Project – turn every job into a project. Proc. 2nd International Congress on ZookeepingConference, Gold Coast, Queensland 2006.Stych, I.B. (2006) In search of the Big Five. Proc. EDAS, Nunawading, Victoria 2006.Stych, I.B. (2006) Breeding Peppermint Catfish. Proc. EDAS, Nunawading, Victoria 2006.ReportsHayes, B.A. (2006) Cambodian Elephant Conservation Stakeholder Assessment. Cambodian Elephant ConservationGroup, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.Murphy, A.H., Webster, A., Backhouse, G., and Knight, C. (2006) National Recovery Plan for the Sunshine DiurisDiuris fragrantissima. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.26

Animal Care and Managementand Field Conservation• Zoos Victoria builds a workforce of skilled andcommitted staff to care for animals and theirhabitats inside and outside our three zoos.• We develop specialised animal care, management,research and reintroduction skills and expertise.• We work with zoos and other partners acrossAustralia and the world to create self-sustainingzoo animal populations – allowing futuregenerations the opportunity to connect withwildlife.• We share expertise and skills with externalorganisations and communities to assist in thecare and conservation of wildlife.• We play a key role in co-ordinated efforts toconserve a range of threatened species andhabitats in the field.Wildlife Conservation and ScienceZoos Victoria continued to make contributions tonational and international conservation throughfundraising, developing and sharing skills andexpertise, and making connections with visitorsto encourage conservation action.Visitor engagementSweeney Research visitor exit surveys at each zoomonitored visitor awareness and appreciation of the roleof zoos in wildlife conservation as well as how the zoovisit might engender motivation to learn more about oractively support conservation. The results show a goodappreciation of the zoos’ role in conservation, but thatthere is still potential growth in the area of motivatingvisitors to do more about conservation.Visitor engagement survey 2005/06The % of visitors agree100806040200The Zoo is activelyinvolved in wildlifeconservationThe Zoo is doing anexcellent job inwildlife conservationI am motivatedto learn more aboutconservationI am motivatedto do more aboutconservationMelbourne Zoo Healesville Sanctuary Werribee Open Range Zoo27

Tracking Tenkile: Supporting theTenkile Conservation AllianceVisit our website www.zoo.org.au to hear more.

Former Melbourne Zoo keepers Jim and Jean Thomas are demonstrating theway our zoos can reach beyond city, state and national borders to produce realconservation outcomes.With Zoos Victoria’s support, the pair has lived in a Papua New Guinean (PNG) villagesince 2003, working as project manager and education officer for non-governmentorganisation, the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, which operates in the TorricelliMountain Ranges.With the elusive Tenkile or Scott’s Tree Kangaroo as its flagship species, the projectaims to help local communities protect the species and habitats indigenous to theirown region.“In order to save the critically endangered Tenkile and now the Golden-mantledTree Kangaroo, we really have to help the people because it’s their animal, it’s theirland,” Jim says.Methods employed to assist these efforts include establishing rabbit farming to removethe need to hunt the tree kangaroos for food, and training local villagers to helpmonitor populations of indigenous species.Education and awareness are also key, says Jean.“By doing the education programs…, people are now aware that Tenkile is onlyfound in their mountain range. People didn’t realise that before. They thought itwas in Australia, in other countries. They didn’t know that it was a special animal.“Now they’re aware of not only Tenkile but (also) bandicoots and possums andcassowaries that are all just found in PNG.”Jim says the project is proving successful.“It’s because the people are getting behind us. They’re not hunting the animal anymore and we’re getting results and that’s what makes us want to continue with theprogram and ideally establish the Torricelli Mountain Ranges as a conservation areawhich would be a huge outcome. At that point we’d be able to think about steppingaway from the program and leaving it up to the locals themselves.”He says Zoos Victoria has provided important support for the program: “Financiallyis probably the most important, but also support in terms of getting equipment foreducation programs.”Additionally, Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Conservation and Science department hasassisted the Tenkile Conservation Alliance in gaining an Australian Governmentgrant. Zoos Victoria keepers have also raised money and provided volunteer supportin the field with Jim and Jean.“The zoo’s been great – like our mother,” Jean says.A new mother herself, Jeans says she feels she and Jim have made real connectionswith the local people in PNG that will extend to their new son.“Already we’re part of the community because we welcome people into our houseand sit and eat with people and visit the people in the villages as well. Now thatwe’ve got Tadji, our little son, I think that will make us even closer to the peoplein the community.“When you have a child it motivates you even more I think to do as much as youcan… so that the planet is protected for the future.”29

Conservation Fundraising and GrantsMore than $67,000 was obtained through grants tosupport our field conservation programs this year. Thisincluded:• $56,529 for the Tenkile Program funded by theDepartment of Environment and Heritage RegionalNatural Heritage Program.• $5,341 funded by the World Association of Zoos andAquaria to partner WildAid in delivering a trainingprogram for Cambodian zookeepers.• $5,920 funded by the World Association of Zoos andAquaria to assist in delivering the third keepertraining program for Philippine zookeepers.Some $70,000 raised from public donations at a dedicatedsection of Melbourne Zoo’s Trail of the Elephants andfrom the sale of elephant paintings and t-shirts wasprovided to support the Fauna & Flora InternationalSumatran Elephant Conservation Program.Conservation ProgramsZoos Victoria finalised its three-year ConservationStrategy this year following extensive internal andexternal consultation. This strategy provides the directionand framework for Zoos Victoria to enhance itscontribution to conservation, both within Australia andinternationally.The strategy establishes criteria to assess and review ZoosVictoria’s suite of current and potential internationalconservation programs in order to determine flagshipprograms which:1. have greatest feasibility of success;2. deliver the broadest biodiversity benefits; and3. have the strongest alignment with Zoos Victoriaregarding opportunities for raising profile andawareness, and with the zoos’ skills and expertisebase.International flagship conservation programs forSouth East Asia and Papua New Guinea were approvedby the Board.Details of key Zoos Victoria conservation activities for2005/06 are outlined in the conservation table on pages31-41.ResearchThis year also saw the preparation of an initial ZoosVictoria Research Strategy. It nominates six themes ofresearch and recommends ways to improve researchperformance, boost operational capacity, and ultimatelyincrease institutional credibility and accountability.Measures for assessing performance are suggested andwill enable ongoing refinement and improvement instrategically shaping the future research agenda of ZoosVictoria.Behavioural studies were initiated in March 2006 toexamine the influence of exhibit design and species cohabitationon the wellbeing of orang-utans and Siamangs.In 2005/2006, Zoos Victoria supported seven projectsundertaken by researchers from Melbourne, LaTrobe andMonash Universities, four projects with the Departmentof Sustainability and Environment, and two projects incollaboration with other zoos.A partnership with Monash University Tourism ResearchUnit continued, and currently involves a research projectexploring the emotional intensity of visitor experiencesand their relationship to attitudes towards conservation.30

Current In Situ Conservation ProjectsAt a national level, Zoos Victoria continues to focus on thefollowing Department of Sustainability and Environment(DSE) and Federal Priority Recovery Programs.MZ Melbourne ZooHS Healesville SanctuaryWORZ Werribee Open Range ZooZV Zoos VictoriaRT Recovery TeamCategories of Endangerment according to:IUCN: International Union for the Conservation ofNature Red List of Threatened SpeciesEPBC: Environmental Protection & Conservation Act, 1999FFG: Victorian Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988VTF: Victorian Threatened Fauna 2003Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Eastern Barred BandicootIUCN: Vulnerable EPBC: Endangered FFG: Critically EndangeredKey relationship holder: Tim JessopSpecies Coordinator: Peter CourtneyBriefParticipate in the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Program.DescriptionGoalReduce the probability of extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot by establishing a selfsustainingreintroduced population.Objectives• Establish a self-sustaining reintroduced population.• Maintain a captive population for reintroduction.• Build and maintain community and institutional support for the Eastern Barred BandicootRecovery program.Achievements 2005-2006• A predator-proof soft release enclosure, jointly funded by ZV and DSE, has been constructedat WORZ and should be due for completion by the end of 2006. The purpose is to increasecapacity to hold captive-bred animals in a soft release area prior to hard release.• During the last year, 12 captive bred animals were released at Mt Rothwell (previously LittleRiver Earth Sanctuaries). These animals are part of the founders for a population to be builtup within this feral predator-free zone. The release was incorporated into a research projectfor an Honours student based at Melbourne University. A similar project will occur in theBasalt Plains exhibit at WORZ that will house a semi-wild population able to be used for futuretranslocations.• Since 1 July, 2005, there have been a total of 25 births, 16 at Melbourne Zoo and nine atKyabram Fauna Park. Currently seven pairs are set up and a further three are proposed in thefuture. The current participants of the captive program are Melbourne Zoo, WORZ, KyabramFauna Park, Monarto, Remabi Park and HS.• Interpretive plans have been prepared for the Volcanic Plains Exhibit at WORZ to raiseawareness of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot recovery program. These will be implementedin 2006.PartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogram• Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria• National Trust of Australia (Victoria)• Little River Earth Sanctuaries• Friends of the Eastern Barred BandicootThree-propertyMZ: primary breeding facilities.WORZ: holding facility with plans to use the Basalt Plains Exhibit as a soft release site.HS: display.Ongoing (1990 – present)31

Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Helmeted HoneyeaterIUCN: Critically EndangeredKey relationship holder: Tim JessopSpecies Coordinator: Iain StychBriefParticipate in the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program.DescriptionGoalAchieve a stable population of at least 1000 individuals in at least 10 separate butinter-connected colonies dispersed along several creek systems in the mid-Yarra and WesternPort catchments.Objectives• Maintain a captive population of appropriate size to represent the genetic diversity of the wildHelmeted Honeyeater population.• Consistently breed sufficient birds in captivity to maintain the captive population and toprovide birds for release to the wild.• Participate in the reintroduction of Helmeted Honeyeaters to re-establish populations inthe wild.• Maintain public Helmeted Honeyeater exhibit and interpretive materials. Develop new meansand opportunities to profile and interpret the project.• Develop new means to fund the project through sponsorships.PartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogramAchievements 2005-2006• 22 Helmeted Honeyeaters were released into the wild this year, bringing the total to 105 (65 atTonimbuk and 50 at Yellingbo) birds bred and released from HS. This was the largest release ofbirds from HS to date.• Collaborative research continued into the effectiveness of reintroduction techniques forHelmeted Honeyeaters with DSE.• HS has continued to manage a captive population of Helmeted Honeyeaters and to date hasbred 105 animals, which have been released to the wild.• Public awareness maintained through Friends of the Zoos guide and keeper interactions andpress coverage of captive breeding releases at both wild sites. Sponsorship by MerrinFoundation enabled installation of a complex nest monitoring system in July 2006.• Department of Sustainability and Environment (RT Member)• Parks Victoria (RT Member)• La Trobe University (RT Member)• University of Melbourne (RT Member)• Birds Australia (RT Member)• Bird Observers Club Australia (RT Member)• Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Inc (RT Member)Healesville SanctuaryOngoing (1989 – present)32

Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Sunshine Diuris OrchidKey relationship holder: Colin KnightBriefParticipate in the Sunshine Diuris Orchid Recovery Program.DescriptionGoalAchieve a viable metapopulation of the Sunshine Diuris in the wild.Objectives• Maintain and enhance the population at Sunshine.• Maintain and enhance the introduced population at Laverton.• Maintain a population in cultivation.• Reintroduce cultivated plants to the wild.Achievements 2005-2006• Winner, Land and Biodiversity category, 2006 Banksia Environment Awards.• In May 2006, Melbourne Zoo received approx. 500 seedlings from the Australian Native OrchidSociety. These will help restock the ex situ population which supplied 300 seedlings for areintroduction in 2004.• Seed collected in 2005 was sent to Western Orchids for germination. It is anticipated thatplants will be delivered after May 2007.• The plants at MZ are in good order. Flowers will be pollinated and seed collected forgermination in 2007.PartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogram• Department of Sustainability and Environment• Local Government• Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne• Parks Victoria• Australasian Native Orchid Society• Community / Landholders• Melbourne University• RMIT University• Community Volunteers• Friends of the Snow GumsMelbourne ZooOngoing (1993 – present)33

Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Orange-bellied ParrotIUCN: Endangered EPBC: Endangered FFG: Critically EndangeredKey relationship holder: Tim JessopSpecies Coordinator: Jocelyn HockleyBriefParticipate in the Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Program.DescriptionGoalEnsure that the wild and captive populations of the Orange-bellied Parrot continue to survivebeyond the life of this plan.Objectives• Maintain a viable captive population.• Increase the number of breeding sub-populations.• Foster community support and involvement in the conservation and recovery of the speciesand its habitat.Achievements 2005-2006• To date HS has bred 113 Orange-bellied Parrots for release, with 19 being released at BirchesInlet (Tasmania) in October, 2005. HS currently has 14 pairs.• HS’s best release year of Orange-bellied Parrots occurred this year with a release of 37 captivebredbirds at Birches Inlet in October. A collaborative effort: 19 of these were bred atHealesville; one at Adelaide Zoo; and 17 at Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries,Water and Environment (Taroona). This builds on releases at Birches Inlet over the past sevenyears, and will bring the total number of released birds to 242.• Public awareness was maintained through guide and keeper interactions and press coverage ofcaptive breeding and releases at Birches Inlet. Healesville Sanctuary has a bachelor flock ondisplay in the Bushbird Aviary, with interpretation of the Recovery Program and wintermonitoring. Annual monitoring is undertaken through our partners, identifying and countingwintering parrots and choice of habitat.PartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogram• Environment Australia• Department of Defence• Department of Sustainability and Environment• Parks and Wildlife Service (Tasmania)• Birds Australia• World Wide Fund for Nature• Universities of Melbourne, Latrobe, Sydney, and TasmaniaHealesville SanctuaryOngoing (1993 – present)34

Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Brush-tailed Rock-wallabiesIUCN: Vulnerable EPBC: Vulnerable VTF: Critically EndangeredKey relationship holder: Tim JessopSpecies Coordinator: David DobroszczykBriefDescriptionPartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogramGoalSecure and expand the existing colonies and re-establish the species at suitable sites in Victoria.Objectives• Establish a captive population, comprised of animals derived from Victoria, to retain as muchof the genetic diversity of the wild population as can be rescued.• Breed sufficient Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies in captivity to establish and then maintaina self-sustaining captive population.• Maintain public Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby exhibit and interpretive materials. Develop newmeans and opportunities to profile and interpret the project.• Develop new funding for the project through sponsorships.Achievements 2005-2006• An additional young pair was established at the Sanctuary in late 2005.• Two pouch young were successfully cross-fostered from the young pair established in 2005.• The plight of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby continues to be profiled to visitors at HS as partof the visitor experience.• Parks Victoria• Department of Sustainability and Environment• Monash University• University of Melbourne• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve• Adelaide Zoo• Wildlife Unlimited• Biosis Research• Waterfall SpringsHealesville SanctuaryOngoing (Dec 1995 – present)35

Priority National Recovery Program InvolvementProgram Spotted Tree FrogIUCN: Critically EndangeredEPBC: EndangeredFFG: Critically EndangeredKey relationship holder: Graeme GillespieSpecies Coordinator: Russel TraherBriefDescriptionPartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogramParticipate in the Spotted Tree Frog Recovery Program.GoalSecure the species from the threat of extinction by:• ensuring long-term survival of genetically viable populations across the geographic range.• increasing the populations to a level predicted to be adequate for long-term viability.Objectives• To increase populations so the species is no longer critically endangered.• To ensure that none of the 13 individual populations becomes extinct, and that in 2002the probability of extinction of any population will be less than one per cent in 100 years.• To gain an understanding of those aspects of the biology of the species which will enableeffective management of the populations.• To implement measures to ameliorate threatening processes which contribute to the declineof the species.Achievements 2005-2006ZV provided on-ground assistance with monitoring of Spotted Tree Frog populations in the wild.Plans were established to develop a captive breeding progam at Healesville Sanctuary to supportresearch into threatening processes and re-introduction into the wild.Public awareness was increased through Melbourne Zoo’s Water Discovery and a displayof Spotted Tree Frogs at Healesville Sanctuary.• Department of Sustainability and Environment• Parks Victoria• Amphibian Research Centre• New South Wales Department of Environment and ConservationHS: Plans for display and breeding facilitiesMZ: Plans for displayOngoing36

InternationalZoos Victoria has selected the following high priority international programs, on the basis of an assessment that they:(1) have high feasibility of success, (2) deliver the broadest biodiversity benefits and (3) have the strongest alignmentwith Zoos Victoria in terms of opportunities for raising public profile and awareness, and skills and expertise.Papua New GuineaProgram Tenkile Conservation AllianceIUCN: EndangeredKey relationship holder: Chris BanksBriefDescriptionPartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogramGoalConserve biodiversity of the Torricelli Mountain Ranges, Papua New Guinea, using treekangaroos as flagship species.• Facilitate effective short-term protection for the two flagship tree kangaroo species withinthe Torricelli Mountain Range through establishment of hunting moratoriums by therelevant landowners.• Develop alternative livelihood strategies within local communities to alleviate the existinghunting pressure on wildlife.• Establish the Torricelli Mountain Range as a legislated Conservation Area.• Implement a monitoring and evaluation program to assess the effectiveness of the abovestrategies in conserving biodiversity within the Torricelli Mountain Ranges.Achievements 2005-2006• Hunting moratorium re-signed with all villages with Scott’s Tree Kangaroo, or Tenkile,on their land. This extends the moratorium to 2008.• Two-year moratorium on hunting tree kangaroos signed with 12 of the 17 villages withGolden-mantled Tree Kangaroos (Weiman) on their land.• Gardening workshops successfully trialled for Tenkile villages – aimed at further improvingthe nutritional value of local village diets on a long-term sustainable basis.• Grant of US$11,000 received from the United Nations Development Fund – GlobalEnvironment Facility, Small Grants Program. This included funds for the planning phase of theConservation Area.• $56,529 – Department of Environment and Heritage Regional Natural Heritage Program.• Keeper from Melbourne Zoo spent four months assisting with the Tenkile Conservationprogram, supported by the FOTZ Dunbavin Scholarship, Australian Volunteers Internationaland ZV.• Tenkile Conservation Alliance• Australian Volunteers International• ARAZPA Institutions• Local villages (participants and landowners)Melbourne ZooOngoing (Aug 1998 – present)37

South East AsiaProgramBriefDescriptionPartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogramSumatran Conservation ProgramFlagship species: Asian ElephantsIUCN: EndangeredKey relationship holder: Chris BanksEmpower visitors to Melbourne Zoo to contribute to conservation of Asian Elephants and supportthe Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Sumatran Elephant Conservation Program.GoalImprove the conservation status of the Asian Elephant in Sumatra through conserving theTangkahan sector of Gunung Leuser National Park through community-based protectionand action.Objectives• Establish livelihoods in the local community to provide an alternative to destructive forestactivities.• Develop local capacity and empower the Tangkahan community to ensure sustainablemanagement of their local forest through elephant patrol-supported forest monitoring andlocal institution development.• Help develop ecotourism plans to support long-term financial sustainability, integrating theactivities of the Conservation Response Unit (CRU).• Promote community and visitor awareness and understanding of the value of the forest andforest use rights and protection responsibilities.Achievements 2005-2006$70,000 raised through various public and visitor fundraising activities, including Melbourne Zooelephant paintings and Make A Difference donations, was disbursed to FFI to support thisprogram’s activities. Highlights of these activities are outlined below:• Initial discussions were held with local communities and government agencies on developing aStrategic Plan for the Gunung Leuser National Park.• Local village representatives trained in CRU activities, including wildlife survey techniques,use of equipment such as global positioning systems, elephant handling and dealing withHuman-Elephant Conflict.• The CRU Mobile Unit’s anti-logging operations resulted in 20 confiscations of illegally-loggedtimber in 2005.• Elephant trekking routes were trialled as part of the ecotourism development in Tangkahan.• Education/awareness programs were developed and run in five schools in the Tangkahan area.• Elephant habitat and population was assessed in Aceh Tenggara in the Leuser District.• A recommendation to establish an elephant habitat corridor, linked to Kerinci Seblat NationalPark in Bengkulu Province, was developed and lodged with relevant agencies.• Staff of Gunung Leuser National Park were trained to become Rapid Response Rangers,complementing the work of the CRUs.Flora & Fauna International (FFI) (in situ partner)Melbourne ZooOngoing (2002 – present)38

South East AsiaProgramBriefDescriptionPartnersProperty FocusDuration of theprogram (dates)Cambodian Conservation ProgramRelationship holder: Chris BanksSupport WildAid Cambodian Conservation Program.GoalConserve Cambodia’s wildlife by minimising the illegal trade in wildlife in Cambodia, throughprograms that address illegal wildlife trade at every stage.Objectives• Provide direct protection to Cambodian wildlife and habitats in danger.• Offer training and equipment to enforcement agencies working to stop the illegal wildlife tradeand strengthen key protected areas.• Raise awareness in the Cambodian community of the need to reduce the illegal consumption,poaching and exchange of wildlife.Achievements 2005-2006In late 2004, ZV supported the development of a WildAid mobile environmental educationprogram in Cambodia called the Kouprey Express. Its main aim was to raise communityawareness of new laws governing the protection of wildlife in Cambodia.Following this critical initial support, the program is now delivering significant progress asillustrated by the following:• Half-day environmental education programs delivered to over 6500 students living close to12 different National Parks and Protected Areas in Cambodia.• Delivered 57 Community Night Shows to over 35,000 villagers in these same areas.• Distributed over 2200 t-shirts promoting wildlife conservation.• Distributed over 11,500 student booklets promoting wildlife conservation.• Provided almost 300 sets of teacher notes containing ideas for further relevant environmentaleducation activities.• Presented over 10,000 postcards from children across Cambodia as part of the KoupreyExpress program to His Majesty the King Sihamoni, requesting his support for the protectionof wildlife.In addition ZV provided the following financial assistance:• $5,341 was secured from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums to partner WildAid indelivering a training program for Cambodian zookeepers.• A fundraising event at Melbourne Zoo raised a total of $3,900 for this program and the Fauna &Flora International Sumatran Tiger Conservation Program.• WildAid (in situ partner)Melbourne Zoo200439

Additional conservation activitiesIn addition to involvement in these priority Australian and International conservation programs, ZV continued to supporta number of conservation-related activities for threatened species ranging from research to community engagement andcaptive breeding as outlined below.ResearchSouthern Barred FrogZV supported a study to investigate the genetic structure of populations of the Southern Barred Frog. Eight tadpoles,collected from the wild, were housed at Melbourne Zoo as part of a program to assess priorities for conservation effortsand for establishing captive breeding programs.Growling Grass FrogResearch continued to improve understanding of the population demographics and movement of Growling Grass Frogs atWORZ. To date the research is providing baseline information on occurrence of frogs across WORZ, sex ratios within thepopulation, home ranges and activity patterns.40

HusbandryLord Howe Island Stick Insect (LHISI)In the last year we have had a marked improvement in the hatching and survival of LHISIs, due in part to our increasingknowledge of their biology and subsequent changes to rearing methods and environmental conditions.The current status is two adult males, eight adult females and 73 juveniles, about 10 of which will soon mature intoadulthood. There are also more than 500 eggs currently being incubated.In the last year we have also started labelling individuals with small numbered markers to track them throughouttheir lives, in order to gather more biological data. We have been able to wean the insects on to other host plants(Tree Lucerne and Moreton Bay Fig), so that we are no longer reliant on the single species of Melaleuca from LordHowe Island.One of the glasshouses is being refitted to house 24 individual pairs of adults to ensure we are able to match appropriatepairs, monitor their breeding activities, and follow the fate of the eggs and young. There has also been continued interestfrom both the scientific and popular media around the world.Giant Gippsland Earth WormAll worms were moved into new tanks from June 2005, providing improved observations and drainage. The captivepopulation is five, all of which are progressing well. We have now maintained these worms for two years in captivity.AwarenessCorroboree FrogThe group of three adults and six sub-adults continue to be maintained at Melbourne Zoo in the World of Frogs. Thelatter group makes an excellent display and assists in promoting the broader recovery program.Frogs Australia NetworkThis year, ZV took over the co-ordination of the community-based Frogs Australia Network, an Australia-wide network ofgroups and individuals involved in frog conservation. This provides an excellent opportunity for ZV to connect with adiverse range of stakeholders through web-based communication to promote informed and co-ordinated action for theconservation of frogs.Restoring communitiesWerribee RiverWith the support of the Trees, Paws and Claws initiative, revegetation of the Werribee River continued at WORZ this year.This joint initiative between ZV and Greenfleet involves native trees being planted and maintained along the WerribeeRiver in exchange for sponsorship of a local indigenous species. The benefits of this extensive program will soon bevisible to visitors to WORZ, with plans underway to develop a wetlands walk.41

Threatened Species 2005/06The following charts indicate the threatened and endangered species our zoos were involved with in 2005/06.ACCDDDEExNTVAustralian speciesCritically endangeredConservation dependentData deficientEndangeredExtinct in the wildNear threatenedThreatenedVulnerableIUCN – International Union for the Conservation of NatureEAT – Environment Australian Threat Category (EPBC Act 1999) as of 2000VTF – Victorian Threatened Fauna 2003Melbourne ZooCommon Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFInvertebratesLord Howe Island Walkingstick Dryococelus australis CAmphibiaAxolotl Ambystoma mexicanum VSouthern Bell Frog A Litoria raniformis E V EStuttering Barred Frog A Mixophyes balbus V CGreat Barred Frog A Mixophyes fasciolatus NSouthern Corroboree Frog A Pseudophryne corroboree E EReptiliaPhilippines Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis CChinese Three-striped Box Turtle Cuora trifasciata ESpiny Terrapin Heosemys spinosa VCarolina Box Turtle Terrapene carolina major NRed-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans NAldabra Giant Tortoise Aldabrachelys elephantina V42

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFElongate Tortoise Indotestudo elongata VAsia Minor Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca ibera VWestern Hermann’s Tortoise Testudo hermanni robertmertensi NHorsfield’s Tortoise Testudo horsfieldii VBroad-shelled River Turtle A Chelodina expansa EMary River Turtle A Elusor macrurus E EReticulate Gila Monster Heloderma suspectum suspectum VFijian Crested Iguana Brachylophus vitiensis CStriped Legless Lizard A Delma impar V V ELace Monitor A Varanus varius VDiamond Python A Morelia spilota spilota EBroad-headed Snake A Hoplocephalus bungaroides V VAvesSouthern Cassowary A Casuarius casuarius johnsonii V EGlossy Ibis A Plegadis falcinellus NMandarin Duck Aix galericulata NHardhead A Aythya australis VBlue-billed Duck A Oxyura australis EFreckled Duck A Stictonetta naevosa V ELady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae NGolden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus NBrolga A Grus rubicunda VBush Stone-curlew A Burhinus grallarius ENicobar Pigeon Caloenas nicobarica NDiamond Dove A Geopelia cuneata NMajor Mitchell’s Cockatoo A Cacatua leadbeateri N VChattering Lory Lorius garrulus VFischer’s Lovebird Agapornis fischeri NOrange-bellied Parrot A Neophema chrysogaster E E CScarlet-chested Parrot A Neophema splendida V VPrincess Parrot A Polytelis alexandrae V V43

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFMasked Owl A Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae EBarking Owl A Ninox connivens ERegent Honeyeater A Xanthomyza phrygia E E CStar Finch A Neochmia ruficauda V EJava Sparrow Padda oryzivora VDiamond Firetail A Stagonopleura guttata VMammaliaGreater Bilby [NT] A Macrotis lagotis sagitta V VEastern Barred Bandicoot A Perameles gunnii V E CKoala [Southern] A Phascolarctos cinereus victor NLong-nosed Potoroo A Potorous tridactylus tridactylus V V EGoodfellow’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi buergersi EKangaroo Island Kangaroo A Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus NRed Kangaroo A Macropus rufus NQuokka A Setonix brachyurus V VRing-tailed Lemur Lemur catta VBlack-and-white Ruffed Lemur Varecia variegata variegata EGolden Lion-tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia CCotton-top Tamarin Saguinus oedipus EBlack-handed Spider-monkey Ateles geoffroyi VLion-tailed Macaque Macaca silenus EMandrill Mandrillus sphinx NHamadryas Baboon Papio hamadryas hamadryas NEbony Leaf-monkey Trachypithecus auratus VSiamang Hylobates syndactylus NWestern Lowland Gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla EOrang-utan Pongo pygmaeus VSumatran Orang-utan Pongo pygmaeus abelii VManed Wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus NAfrican Wild Dog Lycaon pictus EAsiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii N44

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFFishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus NLion Panthera leo VJaguar Panthera onca NLeopard Panthera pardus saxicolor ESumatran Tiger Panthera tigris sumatrae CSnow Leopard Uncia uncia ESmall-clawed Otter Amblonyx cinereus NSub-antarctic Fur-seal A Arctocephalus tropicalis VRed Panda Ailurus fulgens fulgens EAsian Elephant Elephas maximus EMalayan Tapir Tapirus indicus VPygmy Hippopotamus Choeropsis liberiensis VGiraffe Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi CDNew Holland Mouse A Pseudomys novaehollandiae EPatagonian Cavy Dolichotis patagonum NSource of data:IUCN Red List (http://www.iucn.org/)Department of Environment and Heritage (EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna – http://www.deh.gov.au/)Department of Sustainability and Environment (Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/)45

Healesville SanctuaryCommon Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFInvertebratesGiant Gippsland Earthworm A Megascolides australis VAmphibiaSouthern Bell Frog A Litoria raniformis E V EGreat Barred Frog A Mixophyes fasciolatus NReptiliaSwamp Skink A Egernia coventryi V VEastern Water Skink AEulamprus quoyiiLace Monitor A Varanus varius VDiamond Python A Morelia spilota spilota ECarpet Python A Morelia spilota variegata EBroad-headed Snake A Hoplocephalus bungaroides V VAvesGlossy Ibis A Plegadis falcinellus NGreat Egret A Egretta alba VMagpie Goose A Anseranas semipalmata VAustralasian Shovellor A Anas rhynchotis VFreckled Duck A Stictonetta naevosa V EHardhead A Aythya australis VBlue-billed Duck A Oxyura australis N EWhite-bellied Sea-eagle A Haliaeetus leucogaster VBrolga A Grus rubicunda VBush Stone-curlew A Burhinus grallarius N ELittle Button-quail A Turnix velox NMajor Mitchell’s Cockatoo A Cacatua leadbeateri N VRed-tailed Black-cockatoo A Calyptorhynchus banksii EOrange-bellied Parrot A Neophema chrysogaster C E CScarlet-chested Parrot A Neophema splendida V VPrincess Parrot A Polytelis alexandrae N V VSuperb Parrot A Polytelis swainsonii V V E46

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFBarking Owl A Ninox connivens EPowerful Owl A Ninox strenua V VSwift Parrot A Lathamus discolor E E EHelmeted Honeyeaater A Lichenostomus melanops cassidix E E CDiamond Firetail A Stagonopleura guttata N VStar Finch A Neochmia ruficauda N EGouldian Finch A Chloebia gouldii E EMammaliaFat-tailed Dunnart ANGreater Bilby [NT] A Macrotis lagotis sagitta V VEastern Barred Bandicoot A Perameles gunnii E E CKoala [Southern] A Phascolarctos cinereus victor NLong-nosed Potoroo A Potorous tridactylus tridactylus V V EKangaroo Island Kangaroo A Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus NRed Kangaroo A Macropus rufus NGrey-headed Flying-fox A Pteropus poliocephalus V VMountain Pygmy-possum A Burramys parvus E E EKowari A Dasycercus byrnei V VNorthern Quoll A Dasyurus hallucatus ESpot-tailed Quoll A Dasyurus maculatus V E ELeadbeater’s Possum A Gymnobelideus leadbeateri E E ESquirrel Glider A Petaurus norfolcensis N EBrush-tailed Rock-wallaby A Petrogale p. penicillata V V CYellow-footed Rock-wallaby A Petrogale x. xanthopus VLong-nosed Potoroo A Potorous tridactylus V EGrey-headed Flying-fox A Pteropus poliocephalus V VDingo A Canis lupus dingo V DD47

Werribee Open Range ZooCommon Name Scientific Name IUCN EAT VTFAmphibiaSouthern Bell Frog Litoria raniformis E V EReptiliaDumeril’s Groand Boa Boa dumerili VStriped Legless Lizard Delma impar V V EBell’s Hingeback Tortoise Kinixys belliana NAvesBrolga Grus rubicunda VMammaliaCheetah Acinonyx jubatus VAddax Addax nasomaculatus CBlackbuck Antilope cervicapra NAmerican Bison Bison bison CDWhite Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum simum CDPrzewalski’s Horse Equus ferus przewalskii ExCommon Hippopotamus hippopotamus amphibius VGiraffe Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi CDSable Antelope Hippotragus niger CDWaterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus CDAfrican Wild Dog Lycaon pictus EScimitar Oryx Oryx dammah ExLion Panthera leo VAfrican Buffalo (Equatorial Forests) Syncerus caffer nanus EGreater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros CD48

Animal Ethics Committee ApprovalsThe Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) approves andmonitors research activities across the Zoos Victoriacampuses in accordance with the Australian Code ofPractice for the care and use of Animals for ScientificPurposes (6th Edition). Four projects were approved bythe AEC in 2005/06.1. Helmeted Honeyeater recovery program:reintroduction to Bunyip State Park and integratedmanagement of gene pools between wild and captivesub-populations (Principal Investigator: ZoosVictoria)2. Magpie perch trials for electrical flat boltmodification (Principal Investigator: Zoos Victoria)3. The impact of fire history on small terrestrialvertebrates inhabiting roadside grasslands in WesternVictoria (Principal Investigator: External)4. Accelerated breeding of the Victorian Brush-tailedRock-wallaby Petroglae penicullata using crossfosteringtechniques (Principal Investigator: ZoosVictoria)49

Veterinary CareAnimal health at all three Zoos Victoria properties hasbeen good this year, with further developments beingmade in the delivery and scope of our veterinary services.Our objectives in the care of the zoo collection are toprovide excellent diagnostic, therapeutic and preventativemedicine services, involving continued review of ourknowledge, protocols and procedures in an effort toachieve best possible results.Among our activities has been strong involvement in thedevelopment of a Response Plan for Avian Influenza Virus(AIV) emergence in Australia. We have been instrumentalin the formation of an Australian zoo veterinarian workingparty to address issues of surveillance, prevention andmanagement of AIV in our collections.Highlights of veterinary activities in2005/06 included:Melbourne Zoo• Involvement in many successful animal movesoccurring with the development of new exhibits andthe renovation of existing ones.Each of these moves gave the opportunity to performroutine health checks, vaccination, and routineinfectious disease surveillance:– De Brazza’s Guenons into the gorilla enclosure;– all tamarin species to new enclosures;– several monkey species to allow repairs to theArboreal Primates exhibit;– moves of Red Kangaroos, Kangaroo IslandKangaroos, Quokkas, Tasmanian Pademelonsand Emus during the development of the newAusBush area;– and preparation of Siamangs and orang-utans forthe move to their new facility.• Completion of veterinary preparations for the importof three Asian Elephants from Thailand. This hasincluded development of protocols and quarantinefacility preparation in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands,with the particular involvement of Melbourne Zooveterinarian, Dr Michael Lynch, who has providedon-site vet care to the animals during quarantine.• Trial of the drug terbinafine for the treatment of thedevastating fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, in frogs.Veterinary resident Dr. Bonnie McMeekin made greatprogress with this research, successfully eliminatingthe infection from several individual frogs.• Semen collection from our male Asian Elephant,Bong Su, which yielded excellent results forimproving the breeding management of AsianElephants in Australia and overseas.• Reproductive investigations also revealed our12-year-old male Peccary (the only intact male in theAustralasian region) is fertile. Several young femaleswere transferred to MZ to initiate breeding.• In partnership with other agencies includingDepartment of Sustainability and Environment andthe Phillip Island Nature Conservancy, provision ofveterinary advice and assistance in the care of andresearch relating to marine wildlife, notably seals andpenguins.Werribee Open Range Zoo• Two Southern White Rhino cows were evaluated by ateam of specialists from the Berlin Institute for ZooBiology and Wildlife Research.• Behavioural conditioning to facilitate medicalexamination and procedures continued withrhinoceros, giraffe and lions.• Veterinary input into animal management was animportant focus in 2006. This included behaviouralmanagement of a sub-adult male rhinoceros andintroducing changes to giraffe management toimprove their health during the cold winter months.Healesville Sanctuary• The new Australian Wildlife Health Centre launched,designed to showcase Healesville Sanctuary’sinternationally renowned veterinary work withAustralian wildlife.• Upgraded facilities (ultrasound, radiography suite,endoscopy unit and thermal imaging camera)resulting in improved diagnostic and therapeuticcapabilities in the treatment of collection animals.• Veterinary resident, Dr Kelly O’Sullivan, generatedsignificant data on the health assessment of captive,released and wild Helmeted Honeyeaters.• Continued investigation of other wildlife healthissues including:– the prevalence of Chlamydiophiliosis in CrimsonRosellas;– mortality in Powerful Owls; and– rehabilitation success in rescued birds and reptiles.50

Our PeopleZoos Victoria employed 442 people in 2005/06, compared to 492 people in 2004/05. Staff numbers are those actuallyemployed as at 30 June. During 2005/06, casual employees who had not worked for a continuous period of six monthswere removed from the total number of employees. This accounts for the marked differentiation between total staffnumbers in 2005/06 compared to the previous year. The breakdown of staff in 2005/06 is as follows:2005/06 2004/05Executive officer (salary > $100,000) 8 6Executive officer (salary

Industrial Relations ReportA new agreement with administrative and professionalstaff due to come into effect in July 2006 is nearingconclusion.A new agreement with works staff at Melbourne Zoo andHealesville Sanctuary was ratified by the AustralianIndustrial Relations Commission in January 2006.Performance PlanningZoos Victoria this year began rolling out the Zoo EmployeePerformance Plan system, designed to improve career andsuccession planning and make key employeeaccountabilities clearer.Occupational Health and SafetyZoos Victoria made Occupational Health and Safety amajor priority this year, with extensive training providedto all levels of Zoos Victoria staff in safety and anincreased focus on communication.The lost time injury frequency rate was reduced by 43 percent on the preceding year (against a performance targetof 20 per cent reduction). The number of lost workinghours due to absenteeism reduced by 400 hours during2005/06 compared to 2004/05, with a 2.5 per centabsenteeism rate per total hours worked.Equal Employment OpportunitiesWomen play a prominent role within Zoos Victoria andare well represented at the executive level, middlemanagement and in technical areas.There is an equal representation of women in level 1, 2and 3 management positions. The overall breakdown ofZoos Victoria workforce is 57 per cent women and 43 percent men. Recruitment and internal promotions arebased on merit and equity principles in compliance withthe Public Administration Act 2004.Wur-cum barra at Zoos VictoriaWur-cum barra Strategy is a State Government initiativefor organisations to employ indigenous Australians. ZoosVictoria has a long association with the indigenouscommunity and welcomes this initiative. The principles ofZoos Victoria’s Wur-cum barra strategies are embeddedwithin the recruitment processes to ensure indigenouscandidates are attracted and processes are nondiscriminatoryagainst indigenous people.52

Zoos Victoria HighlightsBy Property:Melbourne Zoo• Construction of the capital component of the$6.5 million State Government-funded Orang-utanSanctuary completed.• New $5 million State Government-funded WaterRecycling Plant completed, in addition to $400,000Water Discovery Trail generously funded byMelbourne Water.• AusBush precinct completed with support fromFriends of the Zoos, focusing on Survival Secrets ofAustralian animals.• New school holiday visitor experience, KeeperKapers, introduced, featuring keepers, horticulturistsand vets sharing stories about the animals in theircare and the exciting work they do.• New summer visitor experience, Beastly Breakfasts,allowed visitors zoo access at the earlier openingtime of 7.30am through January. Attracted 6500visitors.• Twilights Music season attracted more than 40,000visitors.• Roar and Snore sleep-over camping experiencerevamped and booked out.• Strengthened partnership with City of Melbournewith several programs including seed collection andplanting programs within the Royal Park precinct.• Significant progress in animal conditioning programsespecially for gorillas, orang-utans, giraffe, Binturongand seals. These programs reduce the need foranaesthetics and restraint for transport and healthchecks; and provide potential for future visitor‘behind-the-scenes’ programs.• Partnership with RMIT final-year industrial designstudents to develop behavioural enrichment devicesincluding a game wall at the new Orang-utanSanctuary, where visitors will be able to test theirpuzzle-solving skills against those of the animals.• Partnership with University of Melbourne students toanalyse the effects of enrichment and behaviouralmodification programs, including bears and big cats.• Two applied research programs in preparation:– A pre- and post-occupancy study on orang-utansand Siamangs to monitor the behavioural effects ofthe move of these two species to their new home.– Monitoring of elephant behaviour via closed circuittelevision to analyse sleeping locations andpreferences through 24-hour cycles.53

Healesville Sanctuary• Launch of the $6 million State Government-fundedAustralian Wildlife Health Centre (AWHC) and newFront Entrance ‘ticket-free’ visitor orientationprecinct.• Implementation of a five-year, $1 million partnershipwith RACV to support the AWHC.• Launch of the partnership’s centrepiece, the newRACV Wildlife Connect initiative.• BHP Billiton Platypusary wins the VictorianArchitecture Awards (2006) – Award for InstitutionalArchitecture and jointly wins the InterpretationAustralia (2005) – Award for Excellence in HeritageInterpretation.• AWHC wins Australasian Zoos Association LargeScale Exhibits Award (2006).• AWHC Architect Minifie Nixon wins the VictorianArchitecture Awards – William Wardell Award forInstitutional Architecture (2006).• Development of a new veterinary database andwebsite, generously funded by the CommonwealthBank, to provide further access to the work of theAWHC.• Hosted a launch by Federal Tourism Minister, FranBailey, of a new Federal Tourism initiative (June 2006).• Acknowledged as home to official mascot of the 2006Commonwealth Games, Red-tailed Black CockatooKarak Jr., with a formal launch by CommonwealthGames Minister Justin Madden (September 2005).• Hosted Queen’s Baton Relay event on 21 February2006.• Continued to develop Behind-the-Scenes and BurraBurra Yan tours.• Healesville Sanctuary tourism strategy developed.Activities included sales calls to Sydney andBrisbane, Oz Talk New Zealand and the AustralianTourism Exchange and Exchange Council.• Continuation of close working association withDestination Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges.• Partnership between retail shop and local nursery tosell native plants.• Launch of a new Parrot presentation to complementthe highly successful Bird of Prey presentation.54

Werribee Open Range Zoo• Construction completed on $6.5 million StateGovernment-funded Kubu River Hippos project.• Giraffe Feeding Platform, to be used as part of newTall Order Giraffe Encounter, constructed andtrialled.• Safari Slumber wins Victorian Tourism AwardsUnique Accommodation category for the second timein a row. Guests number 23 per cent higher than lastyear.• Construction completed on a new themed showerblock in the Safari Slumber area, increasing thefacility’s attractiveness to the corporate market –with 19 corporate camps run during the course ofthe year.• Overall commercial income for the propertyreturns 50 per cent above budget, due to thestrong performance of Safari Slumbers and otherspecial tours.• Two parcels of land transferred to Zoos Victoria byMelbourne Water and Parks Victoria, bringing extraassets of some $1.67 million under the zoo’s control.These parcels of land are of high importance indelivering the Long Term Strategy for the Zoo.• Werribee’s Discovery and Learning team selected asEnvironmental Educators of the Year by the VictorianAssociation for Environmental Education.• A close relationship with the Wyndham City Councilled to two major events being held at the Zoo duringthe 2006 Commonwealth Games:– The South African Commonwealth Games team,which had been adopted by the Wyndhamcommunity, held their team’s launch at the Zoowith the generous support of BHP Billiton.– Free local community screening of theCommonwealth Games Opening Ceremonyin the African Village, funded by a StateGovernment grant.• Zoo Director, Ross Jones, elected for a second termas Chair of the Western Melbourne Tourism Board,focused on lifting the profile of tourism in the West.55

Contact detailsZoos VictoriaPO Box 74Parkville Victoria 3052Elliott AvenueParkville Victoria 3052Telephone (03) 9285 9300Facsimile (03) 9285 9330www.zoo.org.auMelbourne ZooPO Box 74Parkville Victoria 3052Elliott AvenueParkville Victoria 3052Telephone (03) 9285 9300Facsimile (03) 9285 9330www.zoo.org.auHealesville SanctuaryPO Box 248Healesville Victoria 3777Badger Creek RoadHealesville Victoria 3777Telephone (03) 5957 2800Facsimile (03) 5957 2870www.zoo.org.auWerribee Open Range ZooPO Box 460Werribee Victoria 3030K Road Werribee Victoria 3030Telephone (03) 9731 9600Facsimile (03) 9731 9644www.zoo.org.auThis Annual Report is printed on Australian-made environmentally sustainable paper.Paper Dalton Paper Design Eade Evans financial communications solutions Print Braemar Graphic ReproductionsPhotography John Tsiavis Photography and the Zoos Victoria Photographic Collection

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Financial Report 2005/06

Financial Summary5-YEAR SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02RecurrentParks and Reserve Trust Fund 1 10,364 10,148 9,559 7,815 7,245Revenue Zoo Activities 30,905 30,108 29,220 24,815 22,829Total Income 41,269 40,256 38,779 32,630 30,074Total Depreciation 3,583 3,371 2,897 2,657 2,601Total Operating Expenses 36,779 34,452 33,221 32,199 28,527Total Expenses 40,779 37,823 36,118 34,856 31,128Net Result for the period 907 2,433 2,661 -2,226 -1,054Assets, Liabilities and EquityTotal Assets 176,970 156,767 140,801 106,691 102,231Total Liabilities 10,894 9,235 7,702 9,421 8,785Total Equity 166,076 147,532 133,099 97,270 93,446Capital ContributionsCapital Grants Received 2 16,000 12,000 4,000 6,050 1,7361 Parks and Reserves Trust Fund used for supporting zoo operations.2 Capital Contribution by State Government is treated as Equity.58

Auditor-General’s ReportIndependent audit report – Zoological Parks and Gardens BoardTo the Members of the Parliament of Victoria and Members of the Board of the Zoological Parksand Gardens BoardScopeThe Financial ReportThe accompanying financial report for the year ended 30 June 2006 of Zoological Parks and Gardens Board consists ofoperating statement, balance sheet, statement of recognised income and expense, cash flow statement, notes to and formingpart of the financial report, and the Accountable Officer’s and Chief Finance and Accounting Officer’s Declaration.Members’ ResponsibilityThe Members of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board are responsible for:• the preparation and presentation of the financial report and the information it contains, including accountingpolicies and accounting estimates• the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed to record its transactionsand affairs, and prevent and detect fraud and errors.Audit ApproachAs required by the Audit Act 1994, an independent audit has been carried out in order to express an opinion on thefinancial report. The audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonableassurance as to whether the financial report is free of material misstatement.The audit procedures included:• examining information on a test basis to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financialreport• assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used, and the reasonableness of significantaccounting estimates made by the members• obtaining written confirmation regarding the material representations made in conjunction with the audit• reviewing the overall presentation of information in the financial report.These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion as to whether the financial report is presented in all materialrespects fairly in accordance with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements inAustralia, and the financial reporting requirements of the Financial Management Act 1994, so as to present a viewwhich is consistent with my understanding of the Board’s financial position, and its financial performance and cash flows.The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.IndependenceThe Auditor-General’s independence is established by the Constitution Act 1975. The Auditor-General is not subject todirection by any person about the way in which his powers and responsibilities are to be exercised. The Auditor-General andhis staff and delegates comply with all applicable independence requirements of the Australian accounting profession.Audit OpinionIn my opinion, the financial report presents fairly in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and othermandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia, and the financial reporting requirements of the FinancialManagement Act 1994, the financial position of Zoological Parks and Gardens Board as at 30 June 2006 and its financialperformance and cash flows for the year then ended.JW CameronAuditor-GeneralMelbourne7 September 200659

Accountable Officer’s andChief Finance and AccountingOfficer’s DeclarationWe certify that the attached financial statements for the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board have been prepared in accordancewith Standing Direction 4.2 of the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australianaccounting standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.We further state that, in our opinion, the information set out in the Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement ofRecognised Income and Expense, Cash Flow Statement and notes to and forming part of the financial statements, presents fairlythe financial transactions during the year ended 30 June 2006 and financial position of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Boardas at 30 June 2006.We are not aware of any circumstance which would render any particulars included in the financial statements to be misleadingor inaccurate.T McMeckanChairmanL MumawChief Executive OfficerL TaiChief Financial OfficerZoological Parks and Gardens Board7 September 200660

Operating StatementFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006Note 2006 2005$’000 $’000IncomeRevenue 1(a),2(a) 25,956 25,645Government grants 2(b) 11,384 11,405Other income 2(c) 3,929 3,201Total Income 41,269 40,251ExpensesEmployee benefits expense 1(b),2(d) (22,927) (21,809)Supplies and services 2(e) (11,432) (10,041)Depreciation expense 1(i),2(f) (3,583) (3,371)Other expenses 2(g) (2,332) (2,512)Finance costs 1(p),2(h) (88) (78)Total expenses (40,362) (37,811)Net result for the period 907 2,440The above operating statement should be read in conjunction with t he accompanying notes.61

Balance SheetAS AT 30 JUNE 2006Note 2006 2005$’000 $’000Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents 1(f),16(d) 19,625 20,340Receivables 1(g),4,16(d) 1,692 834Inventories 1(h) 511 768Prepayments 335 101Total current assets 22,163 22,043Non-current AssetsAvailable-for-sale investments 1(e),5,16(d) 1,155 145Property, plant and equipment 1(j),6 153,392 134,579Defined benefit plan asset 1(c),7 260 153Total non-current assets 154,807 134,877Total Assets 176,970 156,920Current LiabilitiesPayables 1(n),8,16(d) 3,319 1,994Interest-bearing liabilities 1(o),9,16(d) 571 319Provisions 1(b),10 5,608 5,308Total current liabilities 9,498 7,621Non-current LiabilitiesInterest-bearing Liabilities 1(o),9,16(d) 890 1,139Provisions 1(b),10 506 475Total non-current liabilities 1,396 1,614Total Liabilities 10,894 9,235Net Assets 166,076 147,685EquityContributed capital 1(d),11(a) 81,953 64,262Reserves 11(b) 73,463 73,670Accumulated surplus 11(c) 10,660 9,753Total Equity 166,076 147,685The above balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.62

Statement of RecognisedIncome and ExpenseFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006Note 2006 2005$’000 $’000Net loss on revaluation of land and buildings 11(b) (266) –Net gain on available-for-sale investments taken to equity 11(b) 59 –Net income/(loss) recognised directly in equity (207) –Net result for the period 11(c) 907 2,440Total recognised income and expense for the period 700 2,440The above statement of recognised income and expense should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.63

Cash Flow StatementFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006Note 2006 2005$’000 $’000Cash flows from operating activitiesReceipts from admission 17,156 17,567Receipts from sale of goods 4,336 4,672Receipts from donations, grants & subsidies 15,223 15,552Receipts from other sources 4,240 4,230Interest received 988 814Investment income received 38 21Payments to suppliers (15,267) (14,339)Payments to employees (22,809) (21,143)Interest and other costs of finance paid (88) (78)Net cash provided by operating activities 15(b) 3,817 7,296Cash flows from investing activitiesPurchase of available-for-sale investments (34) (17)Payments for Property, Plant & Equipment (20,113) (8,032)Proceeds from Sale of Plant & Equipment 57 9Net cash used in Investing Activities (20,090) (8,040)Cash flows from financing activitiesProceeds from capital contribution by State Government 16,000 12,000Repayment of borrowings (270) (345)Repayment of finance leases & hire purchase (172) (30)Net cash provided by financing activities 15,558 11,625Net (decrease)/increase in cash held (715) 10,881Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 20,340 9,459Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 15(a) 19,625 20,340The above cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.64

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20061. Summary of significant accounting policiesStatement of complianceThe financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance withthe Financial Management Act 1994, Australian Accounting Standards and Urgent Issues Group Interpretations. AccountingStandards include Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (‘A-IFRS’).The financial report was authorised for issue by L Tai (Chief Finance and Accounting Officer–Zoological Parks and GardensBoard) on 7 September 2006.Basis of PreparationThe financial report has been prepared on the basis of historical cost, except for the revaluation of certain non-current assetsand financial instruments. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets.In the application of A-IFRS management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about carrying values ofassets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based onhistorical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of whichform the basis of making the judgments. Actual results may differ from these estimates.The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognisedin the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and futureperiods if the revision affects both current and future periods.Judgments made by management in the application of A-IFRS that have significant effects on the financial statements andestimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next year are disclosed throughout the notes in the financialstatements.Selection and application of accounting policiesAccounting policies are selected and applied in a manner which ensures that the resulting financial information satisfies theconcepts of relevance and reliability, thereby ensuring that the substance of the underlying transactions or other events isreported.The Board changed its accounting policies on 1 July 2005 to comply with A-IFRS. The transition to A-IFRS is accounted for inaccordance with Accounting Standard AASB1 ‘First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International FinancialReporting Standards’, with 1 July 2004 as the date of transition. An explanation of how the transition from superseded policiesto A-IFRS has affected the Board’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows is discussed in note 18.The accounting policies set out below have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2006,and comparative information presented in these financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2005, and in the preparation ofthe opening A-IFRS balance sheet at 1 July 2004, the Board’s date of transition, except for the accounting policies in respect offinancial instruments. The Board has not restated comparative information for financial instruments, as permitted under thefirst-time adoption transitional provisions. The accounting policies for financial instruments applicable to the comparativeinformation and the impact of the changes in these accounting policies are discussed further in Note 1(t).(a) Revenue recognitionRevenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Board and the revenue can bereliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:(i) Sale of goodsRevenue is recognised at the point of sale when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to thebuyer and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.(ii) Rendering of servicesRevenue from rendering of services is recognised when the services are rendered.(iii) Grants and donationsGovernment Grants, donations, sponsorship and other contributions are recognised as revenues when they are received or thereis reasonable assurance that they will be received and all attaching conditions will be complied with.65

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20061. Summary of significant accounting policies continued(iv) Interest revenueInterest revenue is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on the financial asset.(v) Dividend revenueDividend revenue is recognised on a receivable basis.(b) Employee benefitsProvision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of wages and salaries, annual leave, long service leave, and sickleave when it is probable that settlement will be required and they are capable of being measured reliably.Provisions made in respect of employee benefits expected to be settled within 12 months, are measured at their nominal valuesusing the remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement and are recognised as current liabilities.Provisions made in respect of employee benefits which are not expected to be settled within 12 months are measured as thepresent value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made by the Board in respect of services provided by employees up toreporting date. These provisions are recognised as non-current liabilities.(c) Superannuation(i) Defined contribution plansContributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed when incurred.(ii) Defined Benefits PlansState defined benefit planThe amount charged to the operating statement in respect of the State’s defined benefit plan superannuation represents thecontributions made by the Board to the superannuation plan in respect to the current services of current Board staff.Superannuation contributions are made to the plan based on the relevant rules of the plan.The Board does not recognise any defined benefit liability in respect of the superannuation plan because the Board has no legalor constructive obligation to pay future benefits relating to its employees; its only obligation is to pay superannuationcontributions as they fall due. The Department of Treasury and Finance administers and discloses the State’s defined benefitliabilities in its financial report.Other defined benefit planA liability or asset in respect of defined benefit superannuation plan other than the State’s defined benefit plan is recognised inthe provision for employee benefits, and is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations beingcarried out at each reporting date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the operating statement in the period inwhich they occur.Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested and otherwise is amortised on astraight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.The defined benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation,adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, net of the fair value of the plan assets. Any asset resulting from the calculation islimited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.(d) Contributed capitalConsistent with UIG Interpretation 1038 Contributions by Owners made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector Entities,appropriations or transfers that are in the nature of contributions for additions to net assets are recognised as contributedcapital.(e) Available-for-sale financial assetsInvestments are recognised and derecognised on trade date where purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whichterms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measuredat fair value, net of transaction costs.66

The Board classifies the investments it held as available-for-sale financial assets and they are stated at fair value. Gains andlosses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity until the investment is disposed of or is determined tobe impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in profit or loss for the period.(f) Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and at bank and short-term deposits with an original maturity of threemonths or less.(g) ReceivablesAll debtors are recognised at the amount receivable, as they are due for settlement at no more than 30 days from the date ofrecognition.Collectability of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. An allowance for doubtful debts is made when there is objectiveevidence that the Board will not be able to collect the debts. Bad debts are written off when identified.(h) InventoriesInventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Inventories are comprised entirely of finished goods.Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory using the first in first out valuation method and include expenditure incurredin acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing condition and location. Net realisable value is determined on thebasis of normal selling patterns.(i) DepreciationItems of property, plant and equipment, including buildings but excluding freehold land, are depreciated over their estimateduseful lives to the Board ranging from 5 to 120 years. The straight-line method of depreciation is used. Depreciation rates arereviewed annually to ensure their appropriateness.Assets are depreciated from the date of acquisition or, in respect of internally constructed assets, from the time an asset iscompleted and held ready for use. Depreciation rates used in 2005-06 are as follows:Capital Improvements 0.83–5%Plant & Equipment 10.0%Office Equipment & Furniture 20.0%Computers & Information Systems Equipment 20.0%Buses and Commercial Vehicles 10.0%Motor Vehicles (Non Commercial) 20.0–33.33%(j) Property, Plant and EquipmentPlant, equipment and vehicles are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.Land and buildings are measured at fair value less accumulated depreciation on buildings and less any impairment lossesrecognised after the date of the revaluation.The cost of property, plant and equipment constructed by the organisation includes the cost of materials and direct labour.(k) Impairment of assetsThe carrying amounts of non-current assets, with the exception of available-for-sale assets and defined benefit plan asset, areassessed annually for indications of impairment. If there is an indication of impairment, the assets concerned are tested as towhether their carrying value exceeds their recoverable amount. Where an asset’s carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount,the difference is written off by a charge to the operating statement except to the extent that the write-down can be debited to anasset revaluation reserve amount applicable to that class of asset.The recoverable amount for most assets is measured at the higher of depreciated replacement cost and fair value less costs tosell. Recoverable amount for assets held primarily to generate net cash inflows is measured at the higher of the present value offuture cash flows expected to be obtained from the asset and fair value less costs to sell. It is deemed that, in the event of theloss of an asset, the future economic benefits arising from the use of the asset will be replaced unless a specific decision to thecontrary has been made.67

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20061. Summary of significant accounting policies continued(l) Revaluation of non-current assetsNon-current physical assets measured at fair value are revalued with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying value ofeach asset does not differ materially from its fair value. This revaluation process normally occurs every five years.Revaluation increments are credited directly to equity in the revaluation reserve, except that, to the extent that an incrementreverses a revaluation decrement in respect of that class of asset previously recognised as an expense in the net result, theincrement is recognised as income in determining the net result.Revaluation decrements are recognised immediately as expenses in the net result, except that, to the extent that a creditbalance exists in the revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of assets, they are debited to the revaluation reserve.Revaluation increases and revaluation decreases relating to individual assets within a class of property, plant and equipment areoffset against one another within that class but are not offset in respect of assets in different classes.Revaluation reserves are not transferred to accumulated surplus on derecognition of the relevant asset.(m) Leased non-current assetsLeases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards ofownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Board at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of theminimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included inthe balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rateof interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.Finance lease assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where anothersystematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.(n) PayablesPayables are recognised when the Board becomes obliged to make future payments resulting from the purchase of goods andservices.(o) Interest-bearing liabilitiesInterest-bearing liabilities are recorded initially at fair value, net of transaction costs.Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing liabilities are measured at amortised cost with any difference between theinitial recognised amount and the redemption value being recognised in profit and loss over the period of the interest bearingliability using the effective interest rate method.(p) Borrowing costsBorrowing costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs include interest on bankoverdrafts and short-term and long-term borrowings, and finance lease and hire purchase charges.(q) Research expenditureExpenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.68

(r) Goods and services taxRevenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount ofGST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances the GST is recognised aspart of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included.The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included as part of receivables or payables.Cash flows are included in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investingand financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.(s) Rounding of amountsAmounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, or in other cases, to the nearest dollar.(t) Comparative informationWhere necessary, comparative figures are adjusted in order to conform with changes in presentation for the current financialyear.The Board has elected not to restate comparative information for financial instruments within the scope of AASB132 ‘FinancialInstruments: Disclosure and Presentation’ and AASB139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’, as permittedon the first-time adoption of A-IFRS.The accounting policies applied to accounting for financial instruments in the current financial year are detailed in notes 1 (e),1(f), 1(g), 1(n) and 1(o). The following accounting policies were applied to accounting for financial instruments in thecomparative financial year:(i) PayablesPayables represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Board prior to the end of the financial year and which areunpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.(ii) Interest-bearing liabilitiesInterest-bearing loans are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.(iii) Other financial assets – investmentInvestments are measured at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss.(iv) ReceivablesAll debtors are recognised at the amounts receivable as they are due for settlement at no more than 30 days from the date ofrecognition.Collectability of debtors is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provisionfor doubtful debts is raised when some doubt as to collection exists.Effect of changing the accounting policies for financial instrumentsThe change in accounting policies for financial instruments has not resulted in any adjustment required to the Board’s balancesof financial assets and financial liabilities as at 1 July 2005.69

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20062. Revenues and expenses2006 2005$’000 $’000(a) RevenueSale of goods 3,931 4,242Rendering of services 21,004 20,537Interest on deposits 983 845Income from investments 38 2125,956 25,645(b) Government grantsRecurrent 10,364 10,148Capital – 300Other 1,020 95711,384 11,405(c) Other incomeSponsorship and donations 3,549 2,937Net (loss)/gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment (15) 4Other 395 2603,929 3,201(d) Employee benefits expenseSalary and wages 17,905 16,831Payroll tax and Workcover 1,613 1,645Superannuation 1,589 1,524Defined benefit plan (income)/ expense (note 6) (51) 52Annual leave and long service leave provision 1,871 1,75722,927 21,809(e) Supplies and servicesPurchase of supplies and consumables 2,195 2,240Purchase of services 7,787 6,107Maintenance 1,450 1,69411,432 10,041(f) Depreciation expenseBuildings and improvements 2,920 2,811Computer and office equipment 86 62Plant and equipment 304 264Motor vehicle 273 2343,583 3,37170

2006 2005$’000 $’0002. Revenues and expenses continued(g) Other expensesCost of goods sold 1,872 2,110Inventories written down 84 28Operating lease rental expense 221 237Other 155 1372,332 2,512(h) Finance costsInterest on loans 58 73Finance charges payable under finance leases and hire purchase contract 30 588 783. Remuneration of auditorsVictorian Auditor General’s Office Audit or review of the financial report 26 26Other non-audit services – –26 264. ReceivablesTrade and other receivables (i) 1,692 834(i) The average credit period on sales of goods and services is 7-14 days. No interest is normally charged on trade and other receivables. An allowance for doubtfuldebts is made only when there is objective evidence that the receivable amount is impaired.5. Available-for-sale investmentsAt fair value:Shares – listed (i) 982 –Wildlife Conservation Foundation Fund (ii) 173 1451,155 145(i) The listed shares were gifted to the Board under a bequest arrangement.(ii) The Wildlife Conservation Foundation Fund is invested in the ANZ Trustees Balanced Charitable Common Fund.71

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20066. Property, plant & equipment continued2006 2005$’000 $’000Land at fair value:2004 valuation 60,550 60,5502006 valuation 1,225 –61,775 60,550Capital improvements:At fair value (2004 valuation) 63,463 63,463At fair value (2006 valuation) 200 –At cost 11,869 1,05775,532 64,520Less: Accumulated depreciation (5,731) (2,811)69,801 61,709Total land and capital improvements 131,576 122,259Plant, equipment and vehicles at cost 8,824 7,048less Accumulated Depreciation (5,098) (4,541)Total plant, equipment and vehicles 3,726 2,507Vehicles under Finance Lease at cost 564 327less Accumulated Depreciation (79) (32)Total vehicles under finance lease 485 295Capital Improvements in progress – at cost 17,605 9,518Total fixed assets at net book value 153,392 134,579ReconciliationsReconciliation of the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment are set out below:LandCarrying amount at beginning of year 60,550 60,550Additions 674 –Revaluation increments 551 –Carrying amount at end of year 61,775 60,55072

2006 2005$’000 $’0006. Property, plant & equipment continuedCapital improvementsCarrying amount at beginning of year 61,709 63,463Additions 1,668 818Transfer from capital works in progress 10,161 239Disposals – –Revaluation decrements (817) –Depreciation (2,920) (2,811)Carrying amount at end of year 69,801 61,709Plant, equipment and vehiclesCarrying amount at beginning of year 2,507 2,746Additions 503 293Disposals – (3)Transfer from capital works in progress 1,309 (2)Depreciation (593) (527)Carrying amount at end of year 3,726 2,507Vehicles under Finance Lease (at cost)Carrying amount at beginning of year 295 49Additions 332 278Disposals (71) –Depreciation (71) (32)Carrying amount at end of year 485 295Capital Improvements in ProgressCarrying amount at beginning of year 9,518 2,073Additions 19,557 7,684Transfer to Capital Improvements, Plant & Equipment (11,470) (239)Carrying amount at end of year 17,605 9,518An independent valuation was obtained for capital improvements and Crown Land under the Board’s control as at 30 June 2004.The valuation was provided by Mr Mark Eddy, AAPI, Certified Practising Valuer, and Mr Jeffrey Tempany, AAPI, CertifiedPractising Valuer of Rushton Valuers Pty Ltd.Additional lands and buildings were transferred to the Board from other State Government agencies during the year. Theselands and buildings were independently valued as at 30 June 2006. The valuation was provided by Mr Jeffrey Tempany, AAPI,Certified Practising Valuer of Rushton Valuers Pty Ltd.The basis of the valuation is market value for the existing use which is based on the replacement cost of each asset’s remainingfuture service life and thus approximates it’s fair value.73

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20067. Defined benefit plan assetThe Board contributes to a defined benefit superannuation plan, which is a sub-plan of the Mercer Super Trust. Contributionsto the plan are made at actuarially determined amounts advised by the managers of the plan.The following tables summarise the components of net benefit (income)/expense recognised in the operating statement and thefunded status and amounts recognised in the balance sheet:2006 2005$’000 $’000Net benefit expenseCurrent service cost 72 62Interest cost on benefit obligation 58 62Expected return on plan assets (96) (90)Actuarial (gains) / losses (85) 18Past service cost – –Net (income) / expense recognised in the operating statement (51) 52Benefit asset included in the balance sheetPresent value of defined benefit obligation 1,246 1,333Fair value of plan assets (1,506) (1,486)Net benefit asset – non-current (260) (153)Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows:Opening defined benefit obligation 1,333 1,339Interest cost 58 62Current service cost 72 62Contribution by plan participants 24 24Benefit & expenses paid (231) (220)Actuarial (gains) / losses on obligation (10) 66Closing defined benefit obligation 1,246 1,333Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:Opening fair value of plan assets 1,486 1,485Expected return 96 90Contribution by employer 56 59Contribution by plan participants 24 24Benefits paid (231) (220)Actuarial (gains) / losses 75 48Closing fair value of plan assets 1,506 1,486The fair value of plan assets includes no amounts relating to any of the Board’s own financial instruments or any propertyoccupied by, or other assets used by, the Board.74

7. Defined benefit plan asset continuedThe major categories of plan assets as a percentage of the fair value of total plan assets are as follows:31 May 2006 30 June 2005% %Australian equities 33 35International equities 19 16Fixed interest securities 23 22Property 8 9Cash 17 18The expected return on assets assumption is determined by weighting the expected long-term return for each asset class by thetarget allocation of assets to each class, and allowing for the correlations of the investment returns between asset classes. Thereturns used for each class are net of investment tax and investment fees.Actual return on plan assets2006 2005$’000 $’000Actual return on plan assets 171 138The history of experience adjustments is as follows:Experience adjustments loss/(gain) on plan liabilities 49 (9)Experience adjustments (gain) on plan assets (75) (48)Actuarial assumptionsThe principal actuarial assumptions used in determining pension obligations for the plan are shown below:2006 2005Discount rate 4.9% pa 4.4% paExpected rate of return on assets 6.0% pa 6.5% paFuture salary increases 4.0% pa 4.0% paSummary of the most recent financial position of the Zoological Board of Victoria Superannuation Plan calculated in accordancewith AAS25 ‘Financial Reporting by Superannuation Plans’:As at 1 July 2005$’000Accrued benefits 1,446Net market value of plan assets (1,493)(Surplus) of net market value of plan assets over accrued benefits (47)Employer’s contributions to the Board’s defined benefit plan are based on recommendations by the plan’s actuary.Comprehensive actuarial valuations are made at no more than three yearly intervals, and the last such assessment was made asat 1 July 2005.The objective of the valuation is to ensure that the benefit entitlements of employees are fully funded by the time they becomepayable. To achieve this objective, the actuary has used the Target Funding method, which entails the employer contributionrate being set at a level such that the Plan’s assets are expected to exceed the Plan’s liabilities by a specified margin within aspecified period of time.Using the funding method described above and the above-mentioned actuarial assumptions as to the plan’s future experience,the plan’s actuary has not recommended that additional contribution beyond the current contribution level be made.75

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 20062006 2005$’000 $’0008. PayablesTrade and other payables (i) 3,096 1,868Deferred revenue 223 1263,319 1,994(i) Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 30-day terms.9. Interest-bearing liabilitiesCurrentSecured:At amortised costLoan from State Government (i) 50 48Loan from Treasury Corporation (i) 236 223Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contract (ii) (Note 11) 285 48571 319Non-currentSecured:At amortised costLoan from State Government 247 297Loan from Treasury Corporation 358 594Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contract (i) (Note 11) 285 248890 1,1391,461 1,458(i) Secured by State Government Guarantee(ii) Secured by the assets leased10. ProvisionsEmployee benefitsCurrent 5,608 5,308Non-current 506 4756,114 5,78376

11. Equity and reserves2006 2005$’000 $’000(a) Contributed capitalBalance at beginning of financial year 64,262 52,262Capital Contribution during the year by Victorian State Government 16,000 12,000Net capital contribution from transfer of assets from other State Government agencies 1,691 –Balance at end of financial year 81,953 64,262(b) ReservesAsset revaluation 73,404 73,670Available-for-sale revaluation 59 –73,463 73,670Asset revaluation reserve:Balance at beginning of financial year 73,670 73,670Revaluation (decrements) (266) –Balance at end of financial year 73,404 73,670The asset revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of land and buildings.Available-for-sale revaluation reserve:Balance at beginning of financial year – –Valuation gain/(loss)recognised 59 –Balance at end of financial year 59 –The available-for-sale revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets. Where a revaluedfinancial asset is sold that portion of the reserve which relates to that financial asset, and is effectively realised, is recognised inprofit and loss. Where a revalued financial asset is impaired that portion of the reserve which relates to that financial asset isrecognised in profit and loss.(c) Accumulated surplusBalance at beginning of financial year 9,753 7,313Net result 907 2,440Balance at end of financial year 10,660 9,75377

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 200612. Commitments for expenditure2006 2005$’000 $’000(a) Capital expenditure commitmentsProperty, plant and equipmentNot longer than 1 year 181 12,563(b) Operating lease commitmentsOperating leases relate to office equipment and motor vehicle with lease terms of between 4 to 6 years.The Board does not have an option to purchase the leased asset at the expiry of the lease period.Non-cancellable operating leasesNot longer than 1 year 89 152Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years 31 103120 255(c) Finance leases and hire purchase commitmentsFinance leases relates to motor vehicle with lease terms of 3 years. The hire purchase contract relates to the lease of a marqueewith remaining terms of less than 1 year. The Board has options to purchase the assets for a nominal amount at the conclusionof the lease and hire purchase agreements.Minimum future lease Present value of minimumpaymentsfuture lease payments2006 2005 2006 2005$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000Not longer than 1 year 312 110 285 48Longer than 1 year and not longer than 5 years 303 213 285 248Total minimum lease payments 615 323 570 296Less future finance charges (45) (27) – –Present value of minimum lease payments 570 296 570 296Included in the financial statements as:Current interest bearing liabilities (note 8) 285 48Non-current interest bearing liabilities (note 8) 285 248570 29678

13. Contingent liabilities and contingent assetsThe Board does not have any contingent liabilities and contingent assets as at the end of the financial year.14. Responsible personsIn accordance with the Ministerial Directions issued by the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994,the following disclosures are made regarding responsible persons for the reporting period.Responsible Minister – The Hon. John ThwaitesResponsible PersonsThe names of persons who are Responsible Persons at any time during the financial year are:Governing Board Ms T R McMeckan, Mr A Vizard, Ms L Watts, Mr R Gowans (resigned on 22 May 2006),Ms J-A Stephenson, Ms D Gilmour, Ms P Sanderson and Mr N WhitbyAccountable Officer Ms L Mumaw, Chief Executive OfficerRemuneration of Responsible Persons2006 2005Number NumberThe numbers of Responsible Persons are shown below in their relevant income bands:Income range:$0 to $ 9,999 3 10$10,000 to $ 19,999 5 1$240,000 to $249,999 1 12006 2005$’000 $’000Remuneration other than retirement benefitsTotal remuneration received, or due and receivable by Responsible Persons from thereporting entity. 335 255Retirement benefitsTotal retirement benefits received or due and receivable by Responsible Personsfrom the reporting entity. – –Other transactions of Responsible PersonsThe only related party transaction with one of the Board members, Ms J-A Stephenson, was with KPMG for advice sought ongovernance and reporting issues. The amount involved was $10,000. The related party transactions are on normal commercialterms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties.79

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 200614. Responsible persons continuedExecutive Officers RemunerationThe number of executive officers, other than responsible persons included under ‘Remuneration of Responsible Persons’ above,whose total remuneration exceeded $100,000 during the reporting period are shown below in their relevant income bands:Income BandTotal Remuneraton2006 2005No.No.$100,000 to $109,999 – 2$120,000 to $129,999 2 –$130,000 to $139,999 – 1$140,000 to $149,999 4 2$150,000 to $159,999 – –$170,000 to $179,999 – 1Total numbers 6 6Total amount ($’000) 808 82515. Notes to cash flow statement(a) Reconciliation of cashFor the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash includes cash on hand and at bank, and short-term deposits, net ofoutstanding bank overdrafts. Cash as at the end of financial year as shown in the Statement of cash flows is reconciled to therelated items in the balance sheet as follows:2006 2005$’000 $’000Cash on Hand and at Bank 2,625 1,240Short Term Deposit at Call 12,000 14,100Term deposit 5,000 5,000Total Cash 19,625 20,340(b) Reconciliation of net result for the period to net cash flows from operating activitiesNet result for the period 907 2,440Depreciation 3,583 3,371(Gain)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets 15 (4)(Gain) on sale and revaluation of investment – (2)Resources received free of charge (917) –Changes in net assets and liabilitiesDecrease in inventories 257 338Decrease/(increase) in receivables (772) 154Decrease /(increase) in prepayments (234) 139(Increase) in defined benefit asset (107) (7)Increase in payables 659 361Increase in deferred revenue 96 40Increase in provisions 330 466Net cash from operating activities 3,817 7,29680

15. Notes to cash flow statement continued(c) Non-cash financing and investing activitiesAdditions to property, plant and equipment under finance leases and hire purchase contract during the reporting periodamounted to $435,000 (2005: $278,000).16. Financial instruments(a) Financial risk management objectivesThe Board’s principal financial instruments comprise interest-bearing loans, finance leases and hire purchase contract, andcash and short-term deposits. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the acquisition of capital assetsand the day-to-day operations. The Board has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade receivables and tradepayables, which arise directly from its operation.It is the Board’s policy that no trading in financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, shall be undertaken.The main risks arising from the Board’s financial instruments are interest rate risk and credit risk. The policies for managingthese risks are discussed in more detail below.(b) Significant accounting policiesDetails of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis ofmeasurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financialliability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements.(c) Significant terms and conditionsFinancial assetsReceivables are carried at the nominal amounts due less any allowance for doubtful debts, when there is objective evidence thatthe receivable amount is impaired. Credit sales are normally on 7-14 day terms.Interest-bearing deposits are carried at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Interest revenue is brought into account as itis earned. All interest-bearing deposits have a maturity of less than 120 days.Financial LiabilitiesPayables are recognised for future amounts to be paid in respect of goods and services received, whether or not billed to theBoard. Settlement of creditors is normally within a 30-day term.Interest-bearing liabilities are carried at amortised costs. Interest is charged as an expense as it is incurred. All loans aresecured by way of a charge over the Board’s revenue and by State Government Guarantees.81

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 200616. Financial instruments continued(d) Interest rate riskThe following table sets out the carrying amount, by maturity, of the financial isntruments exposed to interest rate risk:Weightedaverageeffective Lessinterest than 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5+Year ended rate 1 year years years years years years Total30 June 2006 % $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000Financial AssetsNon-interest bearingReceivables 1,692 1,692Available-for-sale investment 1,155 1,155Variable interest rateCash 5.86 19,625 19,625Total 21,317 1,155 22,472Financial LiabilitiesNon-interest bearingPayables 3,319 3,319Fixed interest rateLease and hire purchaseliabilities 6.39 285 143 142 570Loans 5.68 286 303 164 58 61 19 891Total 3,890 446 306 58 61 19 4,78082

16. Financial instruments continuedWeightedaverageeffective Less Moreinterest than 1-5 thanYear ended rate 1 year years 5 years Total30 June 2005 % $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000Financial AssetsNon-interest bearingReceivables – 834 – – 834Investment – – – 145 145Variable interest rateCash 5.61 20,340 – – 20,340Total 21,174 – 145 21,319Financial LiabilitiesNon-interest bearingPayables 1,994 1,994Fixed interest rateLease and hire purchaseliabilities 6.37 48 248 – 296Loans 5.67 271 811 80 1,162Total 2,313 1,059 80 3,452(e) Credit riskThe Board’s maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date for each class of recognised financial assets is the carryingamount of those assets as disclosed in the statement of financial position. The Board minimises concentrations of credit risk byundertaking transactions with a large number of customers and counter parties. It is the Board’s policy that all customers whowish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on anongoing basis with the result that the Board’s exposure to bad debts is not significant.The Board is not materially exposed to any customer or counter party.(f) Fair valueThe available-for-sale investments held by the Board have been valued at market value at balance date. For other financialassets and liabilities, they are included in the Balance Sheet at amounts, which approximate their fair values (2005: net fairvalue). Transaction costs associated with exchanging assets and liabilities are not material and consequently are not included inthe carrying value of these assets and liabilities.Fair values for cash, cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits, receivables and payables are represented by the carryingamounts in the balance sheet. Interest-bearing liabilities reflect the amount to be repaid in accordance with the agreed termsand conditions of the loans and leases.17. Events subsequent to balance dateThere are no matters or circumstances that have arisen since the end of the financial year that have significantly affected or maysignificantly affect the operations of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, the results of those operations or the state ofaffairs of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board in future financial years.83

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 200618. Impacts of the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting StandardsThe Board changed its accounting policies, other than its accounting policies for financial instruments, on 1 July 2004 to complywith A-IFRS. The transition to A-IFRS is accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB1 ‘First-time Adoption ofAustralian Equivalent to International Financial Reporting Standards’ with 1 July 2004 as the date of transition. The Boardchanged its accounting policies for financial instruments effective from 1 July 2005 (refer note 1(t)).An explanation of how the transition from superseded policies to A-IFRS has affected the Board’s financial position, financialperformance and cash flows is set out in the following tables and the notes that accompany the tables.Effect of A-IFRS on the balance sheet as at 1 July 2004Effect ofSuperseded transitionpolicies* to A-IFRS A-IFRSNote $’000 $’000 $’000Current AssetsCash assets 9,459 – 9,459Receivables 1,229 – 1,229Inventories 1,106 – 1,106Total current assets 11,794 – 11,794Non Current AssetsProperty, plant and equipment 128,881 – 128,881Other financial asset 126 – 126Defined benefit plan asset (a) – 146 146Total non-current assets 129,007 146 129,153Total Assets 140,801 146 140,947Current LiabilitiesPayables 829 – 829Interest-bearing liabilities 287 – 287Provisions 2,754 – 2,754Total current liabilities 3,870 – 3,870Non-current LiabilitiesInterest-bearing liabilities 1,269 – 1,269Provisions 2,563 – 2,563Total non-current liabilities 3,832 – 3,832Total Liabilities 7,702 – 7,702Net Assets 133,099 146 133,245EquityContributed capital 52,262 – 52,262Retained earnings (d) 7,167 146 7,313Asset revaluation reserve 73,670 – 73,670Total Equity 133,099 146 133,245* Reported financial position as at 30 June 2004.84

18. Impacts of the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting StandardscontinuedEffect of A-IFRS on the operating statement for the financial year ended 30 June 2005Effect ofSuperseded transitionpolicies* to A-IFRS A-IFRSNote $’000 $’000 $’000IncomeRevenue 25,645 – 25,645Government grants 11,405 – 11,405Other income (c) 3,206 (5) 3,201Total Income 40,256 (5) 40,251ExpensesEmployee benefits expense (a) (21,816) 7 (21,809)Depreciation (3,371) – (3,371)Borrowing costs (78) – (78)Supplies and services (10,041) – (10,041)Other expenses (c) (2,517) 5 (2,512)Total expenses (37,823) 12 (37,811)Net result for the period 2,433 7 2,440* Reported financial results for the financial year ended 30 June 2005.85

Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 200618. Impacts of the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting StandardscontinuedEffect of A-IFRS on the balance sheet as at 30 June 2005Effect ofSuperseded transitionpolicies* to A-IFRS A-IFRSNote $’000 $’000 $’000Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents 20,340 – 20,340Receivables & prepayments 935 – 935Inventories 768 – 768Total current assets 22,043 – 22,043Non Current AssetsProperty, plant and equipment 134,579 – 134,579Other financial asset 145 – 145Defined benefit plan asset (a) 153 153Total non-current assets 134,724 153 134,877Total Assets 156,767 153 156,920Current LiabilitiesPayables 1,994 – 1,994Interest-bearing liabilities 319 – 319Provisions (b) 2,983 2,325 5,308Total current liabilities 5,296 2,325 7,621Non-current LiabilitiesInterest-bearing liabilities 1,139 – 1,139Provisions (b) 2,800 (2,325) 475Total non-current liabilities 3,939 (2,325) 1,614Total Liabilities 9,235 – 9,235Net Assets 147,532 153 147,685EquityContributed capital 64,262 – 64,262Retained earnings (d) 9,600 153 9,753Asset revaluation reserve 73,670 – 73,670Total Equity 147,532 153 147,685* Reported financial position as at 30 June 2005.86

18. Impacts of the adoption of Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting StandardscontinuedEffect of A-IFRS on the Cash Flow Statement for the financial year ended 30 June 2005There are no material differences between the Cash Flow Statement presented under A-IFRS and the Statement of Cash Flowspresented under the superseded policies.Notes to the reconciliation of income and equity(a) Defined benefit planBefore adoption of A-IFRS the Board’s has accounted for its defined benefit plan on a cash basis.In compliance with AAS119 Employee Benefits, the net surplus in the plan is recognised as an asset on the balance sheet ontransition to A-IFRS. Any actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the operating statement in the year in whichthey occur.The change in accounting policy for the defined benefit plan resulted in the recognition of defined benefit asset amounted to$146,000 as at 1 July 2004, and an increase of the same amount in retained earnings. The effect in the Operating Statement forthe financial year ended 30 June 2005 was an increase in surplus of $7,000, and an increase to retained earnings and definedbenefit asset of $153,000 as at 30 June 2005.(b) Provision for long service leaveThe liabilities for long service leave expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date were previouslyclassified as non-current liabilities.In compliance with AASB101 Presentation of Financial Statements, the liabilities for long service leave which becomeunconditional upon employees reaching ten years of service have been re-classified as current liabilities, irrespective of theexpected settlement date.(c) Other incomeThe gain or loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment was previously recognised by the Board on a ‘gross’ basis byrecognising as revenue and expenses, the proceeds from sale, and the carrying amount of the property, plant and equipmentdisposed. Under A-IFRS, the gain or loss on disposal is recognised on a ‘net’ basis, and is classified as other income, rather thanrevenue.(d) Accumulated surplusThe effect of the A-IFRS adjustments on accumulated surplus is as follows:1 July 2004 30 June 2005Recognition of defined benefit plan asset 146 15387

Zoos VictoriaOrganisational StructureVictorian Ministerfor the EnvironmentThe Hon. John Thwaites, MPZoological Parksand Gardens BoardChief Executive OfficerLaura MumawCorporateServicesCo-ordinatorVacantDirectorDiscovery andLearningVacantDirectorMarketingand BusinessDevelopmentKylie WhittardDirectorWildlifeConservationand ScienceGraeme GillespieChief FinancialOfficerLawrence TaiDirectorHumanResourcesLovonne HunterDirectorMelbourne ZooJohn GibbonsDirectorHealesvilleSanctuaryMatt VincentDirectorWerribee OpenRange ZooRoss JonesOperationalLeadershipLead operationsto build,integrate anddeliver strategiesDiscoveryand LearningLeadership andStrategySchools, visitor,interpretation,learningtechnologiesCommercialLeadership andStrategyMarketing,Communications,Retail, Catering,FundraisingWildlifeConservationLeadership andStrategyAnimalCollectionPlanning,Research, FieldConservationBusinessLeadership andStrategyFinance, IT,Administrationand ContractManagement,CorporatePlanningHumanResourcesLeadership andStrategyOrganisationalCulture,EmployeeRelations,OH&S, TalentAcquisition,CapabilityDevelopment88

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardManner of establishment and Powers of the BoardThe Zoological Gardens Act 1936 was enacted on December 14, 1936 and the Zoological Board of Victoria was establishedin 1937 as a Statutory Authority.The Board assumed responsibility for the management of the Melbourne Zoological Gardens from the Zoological Society, whichhad been founded on October 6, 1857. Werribee Zoo, now known as Werribee Open Range Zoo, was established by the Board inDecember 1975 and opened to the public on September 3, 1983. On June 27, 1978 the Victorian Government placed HealesvilleSanctuary (The Sir Colin Mackenzie Zoological Park, established in 1934) under the management of the Zoological Board.The Board’s name changed to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board on the enactment of the Zoological Parks and GardensAct 1995 (The Act) which was passed through the Legislative Council in December 1995.Zoos Victoria is the trading name for the organisation managed by the Board comprising the three zoo campuses and its fullspectrum of activities. The Powers of the Board are enshrined in Sections 11 & 12 of The Act which principally provide for theBoard to exercise its authority to do anything neccessary or convenient to enable it to carry out its Function.The Board is responsible to the Minister for Environment, The Hon. John Thwaites, MP.ObjectivesThe objectives and function of the Board, as set out in the Act, are:• to conserve, protect, manage and improve the zoological parks and managed land and the zoological collections• to promote and increase public enjoyment of the zoological collections and the zoological parks and managed land• to increase public knowledge and awareness of the zoological collections and the zoological parks through exhibitionof the zoological collections, publications, educational programs, advisory services and other activities• to carry out and promote zoological research, the conservation of wildlife and its natural habitats and the maintenanceof biodiversity• to advise the Minister on matters relating to the Board’s functions or powers or on any other matter referred to bythe Minister• to provide consultancy and advice to the public on zoological matters• to provide services and facilities for visitors to the zoological parks and managed land• to carry out any other functions conferred on it by this or any other Act.Duties reserved for the Board include:• Approval of a strategic direction and vision• Setting appropriate Board policies providing strategic, ethical and operational guidance• Approval of annual corporate and business plans• Approval of major capital expenditure• Approval of annual financial reports• Reviewing risk assessment and management systems• Reporting to the MinisterOther functions of the Board include:• Establishing a Code of Conduct to guide Board members, executive officers and staff of the Zoos Victoria• Assuring ongoing development of the strategic, business and action plans and key initiatives and strategies designedto provide valuable growth and successful corporate renewal• Monitoring the appropriateness of financial reporting and internal controls• Monitoring the implementation of budgets by management and progress against budget via the establishment andreporting of both financial and non-financial performance indicators89

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardBoardBoard Member attendance at meetings July 2005 – June 20067/05 8/05 9/05 10/05 11/05 12/05 1/06 2/06 3/06 4/06 5/06 6/06 TotalMs Tina McMeckan 9/10Assoc. Prof.Andrew VizardMs Lee Watts 8/10Ms JoAnne Stephenson 6/10Ms Pru Sanderson 9/10Ms Dione Gilmour 7/10Mr Nick Whitby 7/10Mr Rod Gowans Retired 9/10Patron: The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser, A.C.Minister: The Hon. John ThwaitesChairman: Ms Tina McMeckan B.Sc., MBA (Melb), FAICDAppointed to the Board in 1996. Reappointed and appointed Chairman in 2002. Reappointed in 2005. Twenty years experiencein enterprise development, equity investment and energy industry reform. Science and technology appointments includeChairman of the Centre for Eye Research Australia and a Director of the Vision Cooperative Research Centre, NanotechnologyVictoria Ltd and MediHerb Holdings Ltd and a member of the Funds Management Committee of the AusIndustry Research andDevelopment Board. Current energy sector appointment as a Director of Alinta Limited. Also a Member of the National Boardof Deacons law firm.Associate Professor Andrew Vizard, B.V.Sc (Hons) M.V.P.M.Appointed to the Board in 1999. Reappointed in 2002. Reappointed in 2005. Associate Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology,Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne. Senior consultant for the Mackinnon Project, University of Melbourne.Author of 50-plus scientific papers on veterinary epidemiology and agricultural production. Current Chairman of PhosphagenicsLtd and a non-executive Director of Animal Health Australia Ltd, Primesafe, Ridley Corporation Ltd, the Australian Poultry CRCand the Australian Sheep Industry CRC. Sits on scientific advisory boards for the Herman Slade Foundations.10/10Ms Tina McMeckan Assoc. Prof. Andrew Vizard Ms Lee Watts Ms JoAnne Stephenson90

Ms Lee Watts, BA (Hons), MA (Hons)Appointed to the Board in June 2001. Reappointed in 2004. Has extensive experience in the Higher Education sector,contributing to national taskforces and working parties. Lee is a member of the Victorian Ministerial Higher Education AdvisoryCommittee. She also has experience in Industrial Relations through roles with the ACTU and the National Tertiary EducationUnion and has published papers and books in industrial relations.Ms JoAnne Stephenson, BComm, BLLB (Hons)Appointed to the Board in October 2004. National Partner-in-Charge, KPMG Risk Advisory Services practice and Lead Partnerof KPMG’s Victorian Government services practice. She has had experience in the audit, corporate recovery and consultingareas of the firm. She now leads the practice which provides a broad range of risk advisory services to KPMG’s clients, a practiceof 40 partners and over 560 staff nationally. JoAnne is also a member of the firm’s National Executive Committee and a memberof the Asia Pacific leadership team for the risk advisory services practice area.Ms Prudence Sanderson, B.Arch (Hons), Grad.Dip.Arch.Cons, Dip.CD AICDAppointed to the Board in 2005. Pru joined VicUrban in June 2006 as CEO. After graduating with honours in architecture,Pru worked as a conservation architect on many sites including Parliament House and Como. She then held senior positionsin relation to major infrastructure projects, as Design Manager for the Melbourne Museum and Manager of Development andOperations for Federation Square, and in local government with City of Melbourne and City of Whitehorse. Immediately priorto VicUrban, Pru was CEO of Monash Property Management Pty Ltd.Ms Dione Gilmour, PSMAppointed to the Board in May 2005. Dione is Executive Producer of the Natural History Unit, ABC Television. She has workedas a researcher, director, producer, executive producer and commissioning editor mainly in the area of natural history. Dione’srole has provided her with extensive exposure to not only Melbourne’s zoological community, but the global network of zoos andother wildlife organisations. Dione works with filmmakers and broadcasters from around the world, making entertainingtelevision programs in the areas of natural history, science and history, appealing to the widest possible audiences. Dione haschaired committees as well as being a board member and advisory committee member for both state and federal organisationsand was awarded a Public Service Medal for services to natural history filmmaking in 1999.Mr Nicholas Whitby, B.BusAppointed to the Board in May 2005. Chief Executive Officer, Grollo Group Mt Buller, managing their range of assets based onMount Buller in Victoria. Nick has responsibility for a range of business and assets including property development, ski liftoperations, hospitality and retail assets. Through these activities Nick has developed a good understanding of the tourism sectorand the interaction between commercial operations and government.Mr Rod Gowans, BSc, Dip.App.Sc. Retired June 2006Appointed to the Board in April 2003. Executive Director Biodiversity and Natural Resources, Department of Sustainability andEnvironment. Extensive experience in environmental policy development and natural resource management. Held seniormanagement positions in a number of Government natural resource management agencies in the areas of park and reservemanagement, flora and fauna management, environmental assessment and investigation.Ms Prudence Sanderson Ms Dione Gilmour Mr Nicholas Whitby91

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardSummary of CommitteesRemuneration and Governance CommitteeThe Committee’s Terms of Reference are to advise, monitor and make recommendations to the Board of Directors in dischargingresponsibilities in relation to the development of executive remuneration and overarching industrial relations policies andguidelines and governance matters including Board functioning, nominations to Board positions and strategic risk managementand any other matters referred to it by the Board.Audit and Risk Management CommitteeThe Committee’s Terms of Reference are to advise the Board of Directors in discharging responsibilities in relation to financialreporting, internal accounting controls, financial risk management, audit activities, regulatory and internal control compliance,and any other matters referred to it by the Board, including corporate and business plan and financial reviews.Planning and Development CommitteeThe Committee’s Terms of Reference are to advise, monitor and make recommendations to Management in relation to strategicplanning, planning and development of strategic and significant projects including interpretation and online development. Thiscommittee was replaced by a management committee in November 2005.Zoos Victoria Foundation Advisory Board Steering CommitteeThe Committee has been convened to establish the Zoos Victoria Foundation Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will assistZoos Victoria in achieving its vision through strategic partnerships, individual giving programs and fundraising activities.MembershipRemuneration and Governance Committee Board MembersTina McMeckan (Chair), Lee Watts, Rod Gowans (retired June 2006)Management RepresentativesLaura Mumaw (CEO), Lovonne Hunter (Director, Human Resources) and Lawrence Tai (CFO)Audit and Risk Management Committee Board MembersJoAnne Stephenson (Chair), Lee WattsIndependent MembersSam Cowell, Helen Thornton, Peter MoloneyManagement RepresentativesLaura Mumaw (CEO), Lawrence Tai (CFO), Tony Kotevski (General Manager, Major Projects), Paul Bamford (Manager, IT)Planning and Development Committee Board MembersAssoc. Prof. Andrew Vizard (Acting Chair), Rod Gowans, Pru SandersonManagement RepresentativesLaura Mumaw (CEO), Lawrence Tai (CFO) Tony Kotevski (General Manager, Major Projects)Independent AssociatesProf. Catherin Bull, Stephen Thorne, Stuart NivenZoos Victoria Foundation Advisory Board Steering CommitteeCommittee ChairmanGeorge LittlewoodBoard MembersTina McMeckan, Assoc. Prof. Andrew Vizard, Dione Gilmour, Nick WhitbyManagement RepresentativesLaura Mumaw (CEO), Kylie Whittard (Director, Marketing and Business Development),Marylou Verberne (Executive Director, Zoos Victoria Foundation)92

Admission ChargesMelbourne Healesville Werribee Regulatory Prices2005-06 2004-05 2005-06 2004-05 2005-06 2004-05 2004 1Adult $21.00 $20.00 $21.00 $9.00 $21.00 $19.00 $22.50Child $10.50 $9.50 $10.50 $9.50 $10.50 $9.50 $11.25Concession $15.80 $14.50 $15.80 $14.50 $15.80 $14.50 $17.40Family $51.10 $49.50 $51.10 $47.50 $51.10 $47.50 $51.501 Latest Regulation Zoological Parks and Gardens Fees Regulations 2004ConsultanciesDuring the 2005/06 financial period, Zoos Victoria engaged four consultants to perform specific one-off tasks for a total cost of$42,843.There were no consultancies individually exceeding $100,000.Major contracts exceeding $10 millionNo contracts individually exceeded $10 million.Statement of availability of other informationInformation relevant to the headings listed in Financial Reporting Direction 22 of the Financial Management Act 1994 is heldat Zoos Victoria’s offices and is available on request, subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982.Major external reviewsNo major external reviews were carried out on Zoos Victoria in 2005/06.Compliance statement for the Financial Management Compliance FrameworkThe Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of Victoria has complied with the Financial Management Compliance FrameworkDirection Requirements.Major changes or factors affecting performance.There were no major issues/developments that affected financial or operational performance throughout the year.93

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardFreedom of Information ActThe Freedom of Information Act 1982 allows the public a right of access to documents held by the authority.Freedom of Information requests are made in writing describing the documents requested and including payment of the $21.50application fee. Further charges may be payable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST. Requests to the authority shouldbe sent to Freedom of Information Officer, Lawrence Tai, P.O. Box 74 Parkville Victoria 3052. The telephone contact number is(03) 9285 9300. Enquiries can be e-mailed to mz@zoo.org.auIn the reporting period there were four requests for information. Responses were prepared within the statutory reporting periodof 45 days. Of the total requests received, none went to internal review and none are in the process of an appeal hearing.Details 2005/06NumberAccess denied in full 0No Documents 0Matters not finalised at 30/06/06 0Total 0Whistleblower ProtectionThe Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 came into effect on 1 January 2002. The Act is designed to protect people who discloseinformation about serious wrongdoing within the Victorian Public Sector and to provide a framework for the investigation ofthese matters.Either the Protected Disclosure Coordinator for the Board or STOPline Pty Ltd (appointed in accordance with the Ombudsman’sGuidelines to receive and asses disclosure) receives disclosures under the Act, and applies Board procedures in managingdisclosures. A copy of the procedures is enclosed.In the reporting period no disclosures about alleged corrupt conduct was made to the Board. No recommendations have beenmade by the Ombudsman that relate to the Board.Disclosures under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 are made to the following:Zoological Parks & Gardens Boardc/o The STOPlineLocked Bag 8Hawthorn Vic 3122Facsimile:Attention: The Zooc/o The STOPline9882 4480Internet: www.stopline.com.auEmail: “TheZoo”disclosure@stopline.com.auLawrence Tai, Protected Disclosure CoordinatorZPGB Locked Bag 210 P.O. Parkville Vic 3052Telephone: 9285 9300Facsimile: 9285 9330Email: ltai@zoo.org.auThe Ombudsman VictoriaLevel 22, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000Telephone: 9613 6222Toll free: 1800 806 31494

Competition PolicyThe Board is committed to ensure that where Government Business undertakings compete with the private sector, theCompetitive Neutrality Policy is adhered to. Model 2 of the Government’s Competitive Neutrality Policy applies to the Board’scatering and retail activities and these activities must apply pricing principles that reflect the real cost of providing the service.Compliance with the Building and Maintenance Provisions of the Building Act 1993.The Board ensures that all works requiring building approvals have plans certified works in progress inspected andoccupancy permits issued by independent surveyors engaged on a job by job basis. A register of building surveyors and thejobs they certified is maintained. The Board requires all contractors engaged on building works to show evidence of currentregistration upon their engagement and a condition of their contract is that they maintain their registered status for thecourse of the contract.All contractors engaged by the Board maintain their registered status throughout the year. During the year, the following worksand maintenance were undertaken to ensure the conformity with the relevant standard:2005-06Number ofBuilding Works2005-06Number ofmaintenance2004-05Number ofBuilding Works2004-05Number ofmaintenanceBuilding Works and MaintenanceBuilding certified for approval 2 0 6 0Work in construction and subject tomandatory inspectionNotice issued for rectification of sub-standardbuildings requiring urgent attentionMaintenance involving major expenditure andurgent attentionConformity5 0 8 00 0 0 01 1 0 0Number ofConformityNumber of buildings conforming with standards All AllNumber of buildings brought into conformitythis year0 0Pecunary Interest DisclosuresAll Board members are required to complete a statement of pecuniary interest including any relevant shareholdings during theyear and have done so.95

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardOverseas travel 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006Employee Department Month Reason CountryLance Weldhagen WORZ August 05 • To travel to Hoedspruit, South Africa from18 August to 1 September 2005 to participatein a nine-day capture wildlife course and atwo-day cheetah centre review. Fundedthrough Alfred Dunbavin Scholarship.Tony Kotevski &Matt VincentMZ Works &HealesvilleSep 05• Travel to China to assist the Department ofPremier and Cabinet to review Beijing Zoo’sproposed Australian Precinct DevelopmentHelen McCracken Vets October 05 • Travel to Thailand to attend the firstscientific meeting of Asian Zoo & WildlifeMedicine from 27 October to 3 November2005.Natalie Rourke Vets October 05 • To travel to Ngongoni Game Lodge, SouthAfrica in October 2005 to participate in aone-week course in Africal Mammal SpeciesChemical Immobilisation.Kate Bodley Vets October 05 • Travel to attend the joint conference of theAmerican Association of Zoo Veterinarians,the American Association of WildlifeVeterinarians and Nutrition Advisory Groupfrom 14 October to 24 October 2005. Inaddition to attending the conference, Katespent one day at the Marine Mammal Centreat Marine Headlands, California.Dr Graeme Gillespie &Dr Tim JessopWC&S Feb 06 • Graeme Gillespie to travel to attend theGlobal Ex-Situ Amphibian ConservationWorkshop in Panama City 9-17 February2006.• Tim Jessop & Graeme Gillespie to visit theCentre for Reproduction of EndangeredSpecies (CRES), San Diego, USA, duringFebruary 2006 at no cost to the Board.Laura Mumaw Corporate April 06 • To travel to Switzerland & France from8-12 April 2006 to attend WAZA Councilmeeting in Bern and visit Mulhouse Zoo(France); Lange Erlen Animal Park(Switzerland); Zurich Zoo (Switzerland);and /or Langenberg Wildlife Park(Switzerland).Sth AfricaChinaThailandSth AfricaUSAPanama &USASwitzerland& France96

Employee Department Month Reason CountryBridget Hayes WC&S April 06 • To travel to Cambodia to undertake aone-month contract as a ConservationAttitudes and Awareness Consultant with theCambodian Elephant Conservation Group(CECG). Hold meetings with potentialin-country partner organisations (FFI andWildAid Cambodia) to scope out details forZoos Victoria’s Cambodian conservationprogram.Graeme Gillespie WC&S May 06 • To travel to Indonesia & Singapore from27 May-19 June 2006 to visit the OperationWallacea biodiversity conservation researchprogram in Sulawesi, IndonesiaKelly Hobbs &Matt WillsMay 06• Travel to Cambodia between 1 May and30 June 2006• To support both the delivery of firstCambodian Keeper Workshop and exhibitdevelopments at the Phnom Tamao Zoo –Wildlife Rescue CentreElephant Acquisition travel to Thailand September 2005 – June 2006Laurie PondLaura MumawErin LuddenRichard Kudeweh• Travel from Thailand to Australia to attendAAT Hearing, October 2005 and return toThailand• Travel from Thailand to Australia to attendAAT Hearing, December 2005, and to takeleave from PEQ Operations• Return to Thailand to work at PEQ Facility,Sai Yok• For meetings with government officials andother Thai personnel re acquisition.• Travel from Thailand to Australia to satisfyvisa requirements, then return to Thailand towork in PEQ• Travel from Thailand to Australia to takeleave from PEQ operations• Return to Thailand to work at PEQ Facility,Sai Yok• Travel to/from Thailand to assist with animalhusbandry at Sai Yok facilityCambodiaIndonesia &SingaporeCambodiaThailandThailandThailandThailand97

Zoological Parks andGardens BoardEmployee Department Month Reason CountryDavid McKelsonAbby SmithPat FloraMolly FisherSteve BlanchardMichael LynchLucy Truelson• Travel to/from Thailand to assist with animalhusbandry at Sai Yok facility whilst Mr Pondin Australia• Travel to/from Thailand to assist with animalhusbandry at Sai Yok facility whilstMs Ludden in Australia• Travel to/from Thailand to assist withanimal husbandry at Sai Yok facility whilstMr Pond in Australia• Travel to/from Thailand to assist with animalhusbandry at Sai Yok facility whilstMs Ludden in Australia• Travel from Australia to Thailand to assistwith animal husbandry at Sai Yok Facility• Travel to/from Thailand to complete healthtests of elephants in quarantine• Travel to/from Thailand to assist withtransfer of elephants from Thailand to CKI• Travel to/from Thailand to assist with animalhusbandry at Sai Yok FacilityThailandThailandThailandThailandThailandThailandThailand98

Disclosure IndexThe Annual Report of Zoos Victoria is prepared in accordance with all relevant Victorian legislation. This index has beenprepared to facilitate identification of the Department’s compliance with statutory disclosure requirements.Clause DisclosurePageReport of Operations22 Manner of establishment and the relevant Ministers 8922 Objectives, functions, powers and duties 8922 Nature and range of services provided 4-5522 Organisational structure, names and functional areas of responsibility of senior officers 8822 Names of board members 90-91Financial and other information22 Statement of workforce data for current and previous financial year 5122 Merit and equity 5215 Executive officer disclosures 9522 5 year summary of the financial results 5822 Significant changes in financial position during the year 1422 Objectives and performance against objectives 10-1122 Major changes or factors affecting performance 9322 Subsequent events which will affect operations in future years 8322 Details of consultancies > $100,000 and total No. and cost < $100,000 9312 Disclosure of major contracts 9322 Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 9422 Application and operation of the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 9422 Compliance with building and maintenance provisions of Building Act 1993 9522 Statement on NCP 9522 OHS 5210 Disclosure index 9922 Statement of availability of other information 9399

Gifts and donationsGifts of $2.00 and upwards are tax deductible.The Zoological Parks & Gardens Board holds endorsement as a deductible gift recipient under Subdivision 30-BA of theIncome Tax Assessment Act 1997 and is provided for the operation of a fund, authority or institution as detailed below.Zoological Parks & Gardens Board (Zoos Victoria): Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens (Melbourne Zoo),Sir Colin Mackenzie Zoological Park (Healesville Sanctuary) and Werribee Zoological Park (Werribee Open Range Zoo)ABN 96 913 959 053 provision for gift deductibility: Item 1 of the table in section 3015, Item 4 of the table in section30-15 and Subdivision 30-D of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.A general bequest to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board is preferred and the suggested style is as follows:I give to the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board for its general purposes the sum of:(in words)($ ) free of all duties, probate, estate, succession, or otherwise and I declare that the receipt of an authorisedofficer of the said organization shall be sufficient discharge to my Trustees.100