2004 – 2005 The Zoological Society of , ZSL, can feel rightly proud of its achievements in 2004, thanks 2004 – A year to careful planning that saw many projects come to fruition during the year. I am gratified to have much good news to share in my first of achievement annual review since taking over as President.

Positive developments have occurred The arrival of not one but two Asiatic right across the Society; our annual calves - the first successful income is up, we saw a significant elephant births in ZSL’s history – also increase in the number of school generated major interest from the visits, and our membership and national media. Other significant adoption schemes also saw arrivals in 2004 are reported in this substantial growth. document.

ZSL’s science and conservation work Following Dr Michael Dixon’s move enjoyed continued success and to become the Director of The Natural recognition, and in 2004 the Society History , Ralph Armond was was involved in more than 100 appointed in September as ZSL’s new different conservation and research Director General. Ralph comes to ZSL initiatives – both at home and abroad. after 16 years with the Tussaud’s Our work has been both far-reaching Group. As well as his management and pioneering. experience and knowledge of visitor attractions, he brings a personal In 2004, for the first time ever, enthusiasm for, and strong corncrakes that had been bred at commitment to, conservation, science Whipsnade and then released into and the work of ZSL. the wild, bred with wild in the Nene Washes. The work of ZSL has never been more important. An ever-increasing Our marine turtle monitoring and number of environmental problems protection project in Mozambique need attention and more and more was expanded to include tagging depend on for their of nesting turtles. This will provide survival. Wars, global warming and detailed information on one of the growing threats from disease are just largest turtle populations along the some of the many challenges that East African coast. continue to make ZSL’s conservation work so crucial to the health of the Our work with gorillas in Gabon saw world’s wildlife. ZSL identified in November as the lead partner at the Mikongo Conservation Centre, where we have been active in tourism and related research for over two years.

The , the scientific research wing of ZSL, produced a Sir Patrick Bateson FRS number of high-profile scientific President, ZSL publications during the year, including close involvement in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: A Global Species Assessment.

Progress occurred at both sites with the opening of new, redesigned and refurbished exhibits. At Whipsnade, in , we opened the new exhibit and at London , the Komodo Island of Dragons – representing the cutting edge in animal enclosure design and adding a new dimension to the visitor experience.

? 1 ZSL’s mission: Worldwide network ZSL staff worked on more than 100 different conservation and research projects throughout the world in 2004. To achieve and Many other collaborations are in development. promote the worldwide conservation of and their habitats

Americas Europe Asia Australasia and Oceania

Central America Cameroon Republic of Ireland Australia Commonwealth of Dominica Chad Spain Indonesia French Polynesia Mexico (Gulf of California) Democratic Republic of Congo Malaysia New Zealand Equatorial Guinea Mongolia Panama Ethiopia Nepal Puerto Rico Gabon Philippines Kenya Russia/Russian Far East North America Mauritius Saudi Arabia Canada Mozambique USA Namibia Niger South America Nigeria Brazil Seychelles Chile Tanzania Ecuador Uganda

3 2004 proved an extremely exciting and highly productive year, with the arrival of not one but The Living Collection two Asiatic elephant calves – the first successful elephant births in ZSL’s history. Our zoo departments were also restructured as we continue to rejuvenate our two sites. For 2005, we remain focused on improving our animal habitats and visitor experience still further.

Animals and new arrivals highest profile births for the zoos in Bermudian land snails, king vultures, 2004 were our two Asiatic elephant greater one-horned rhino and Panay calves. The female was born on 16 cloud rats were among the Society’s March and weighed in at an new additions in 2004. However, the impressive 149kg – taking the record most prominent newcomer to London for the largest surviving elephant calf Zoo had to be the – born in Europe. She was joined on 25 an endangered species, and the September by a male calf weighing in world’s largest lizard. Raja has settled at a more customary 128kg. The into his new state-of-the-art Komodo calves, Aneena and Euan – named by Island of Dragons enclosure and will the public in a national competition – shortly be joined by another dragon, have been out and about most days replacing the original female of the meeting the public at WWAP – the pair which, unfortunately, died from a only UK zoo providing visitors with number of long-term health problems. such an experience. The new female will arrive at later in 2005. We also successfully reared more than 1,000 field cricket nymphs at There were a number of significant London Zoo as part of English births at both London Zoo and Nature’s Species Recovery Whipsnade Wild Animal Park (WWAP) Programme. Their new home is the during 2004. At Regent’s Park, there 110-hectare Chapel Common in West was the successful fledging of a sun Sussex. At Whipsnade, larvae were bittern (the first at the Zoo since 1877) raised from the barberry carpet moth. and at Whipsnade our Corncrake A health screening process is now Species Recovery Programme being developed ready for releases enjoyed its most successful year to at the Park in 2006. date, with more than 70 chicks reared and released at the Nene Washes staff continued to be reserve. 2004 also brought the heavily involved in marine and exciting news that our released freshwater conservation, offering a corncrakes had returned to this home for live corals and reserve to breed and that the British rescued in a clampdown by HM and Irish Association of Zoos and Customs on the illegal trade in (BIAZA) had voted this endangered species. We also played project the year’s most successful zoo a significant role in getting seahorses conservation programme. Visitors added to the Convention on were also able to watch the rearing of International Trade in Endangered black hornbill chicks through a special Species (CITES) – the first marine nest box camera, and the hyacinthine to come under wildlife trade macaws produced a fertile egg – legislation. ZSL’s work with seahorses leading to great hopes for 2005! also included the first survey on Saba in the Dutch Antilles. More births at Regent’s Park included Funding from English Nature means a François langur and some red river more work will be carried out by ZSL hoglets. We were also delighted by staff on a native coral species called the birth of a baby and a roan the pink sea fan in collaboration with Greater one-horned rhino at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park antelope at Whipsnade. But by far the The Deep, the aquarium at Hull. Noel Mclaughlin 5 In 2004, ZSL organised a range of undergraduate research opportunities. Eleven projects were started at Whipsnade and another seven at Regent’s Park, including a PhD in conjunction with Royal Holloway College.

Our Environmental Enrichment Group – a keeper-orientated group working to raise awareness, improve husbandry routines and produce an enrichment manual for ZSL – also launched its first newsletter. It is hoped three can be produced per year.

Throughout the year, we also continued to influence policy thinking on conservation in zoos, beginning with the Catalysts for conservation symposium in February (see Awards, meetings and publications). ZSL made a major contribution to the new World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy – essentially a road map for the world’s zoos for the next ten years – which will be launched in Melbourne, Australia, and simultaneously around the world, in May 2005.

Exhibit design and changes Progress during the year on the popular home for our penguins, Other developments finished in 2005 development of new, redesigned and which are thriving in their new include the Meet the Monkeys walk- refurbished exhibits at our zoos made surroundings. through exhibit for our squirrel for fascinating viewing. At WWAP, the monkeys and the walk-through refurbishment of the aquaria in the The highly social porcupines, which African Safari.Taking visitors into Discovery Centre was completed, as arrived early in 2005, are housed in the enclosures themselves has was the new chimpanzee exhibit, with the Grade 1 listed Lubetkin penguin provided an entirely new and exciting its expanded outdoor area and indoor pool. experience. ‘chimpnasium’, which provides even more opportunities for the chimps to Significant for ZSL, in terms of exhibit The Clore Small House will investigate and play and has development, is the new purpose- get a £2 million re-development, with enhanced the visiting public’s view of built enclosure for our Komodo work set to start in 2005, helped by a them. The area around the exhibit has dragons – the Komodo Island of generous donation from the Clore also been sensitively landscaped to Dragons.This exhibit represents the Duffield Foundation. This work will create a more immersive atmosphere style of development that will be incorporate themed planting in the for visitors – something recognised used at both sites in future to give main atrium and increased light into Top: The roof of the Komodo Island of Dragons exhibit is planted with grasses. The living roof by the media in the good publicity visitors a greater sense of immersion the building, which will house mainly makes it good for insulation and good for that marked the opening. in our animals’ environment. This South American fauna. This exhibit handling rainwater.The undisturbed plants also complex enclosure, with integrated will also highlight the involvement of make a great home for insects Our new of the Serengeti exhibit environmental controls, has a large ZSL staff with tamarins in Brazil. Above: Squirrel monkey – work started on the new Meet the Monkeys walk-through exhibit (which opened Easter 2005) brings weatherproof viewing area that in 2004 African lions back into the Living encourages all-year visiting. Its Our plans to create an ‘African Katie Fitzgerald Collection, providing an additional translucent domed roof also means ’ for our gorillas are also at Facing page top: Young chimp – at home in the charismatic carnivore exhibit for the enclosure is flooded with natural an advanced stage. This highly visual new ‘chimpnasium’ Whipsnade and a focus for the light and there is regular controlled exhibit will focus on our conservation Facing page bottom: Feeding time at the new Carnivores and People programme. ‘rainfall’ inside the enclosure, work through our Bushmeat and penguin pool, which opened at London Zoo in 2004 creating the moist atmosphere Forests programme and will help Katie Fitzgerald And in London, the re-developed preferred by both the dragons and raise awareness of the uncertain Barclay Court pool is proving to be a the plant life. world for these animals.

6 7 Veterinary services diet manual. A zoo nutrition internship roosts and there are high hopes that Department can also generate 2004 was another busy year for our during the year from the Van Hall this use will increase in 2005. revenue by providing experience to Veterinary Services Department, Institute in the Netherlands also Additionally, bat and moth survey wealthier nations which hope to build including a rise in the number of MSc proved very worthwhile and we are work is being undertaken over the 21st century zoological parks but lack students. While this increased the discussing a similar placement in 2005. site. Barberry has been planted for our technical experience. We aim to department’s workload, the rise in barberry carpet moths, hedgerow take this forward through three main students has been rewarding, Gardens and grounds management has been improved and areas: Zoo Consultancy, Technical reflecting the popularity of the 2004 saw the first full year of bird and bat boxes have been placed Support for Zoos, and Flagship courses and the quality of teaching operation for the new ZSL Garden around WWAP. Species. A number of contacts have and experience offered. Department, managed across the two already been made in relation to zoo sites by our Curator of Plants. Work to improve the animal paddocks consultancy and positive assistance WWAP’s expectant also at WWAP also began in 2004. So far, has been provided by the Department kept staff busy monitoring their As well as working on our general drainage has been improved in the of Trade and Industry. We now have pregnancies with colleagues from the sites, the garden team was actively rhino paddocks and the European contacts in several states and Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research involved in all new projects, enclosure has been aerated and countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, (Berlin). The female calf has needed introducing a more lush and ‘exotic’ re-planted. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with potential to be monitored closely since her feel to the exhibits for our Komodo for zoo consultancy projects in 2005. birth and this will continue in 2005. dragons and our chimps at WWAP. ZSL was also represented, as one of The vet team also worked through Significantly, Countryside Stewardship the area’s landlords, in discussions We continued to provide technical the night in an effort to save our and Woodland Grant funding has on the ‘Right to Roam’ at the local support to Zoo, but towards female Komodo dragon. However, helped introduce a more intensive Whipsnade forum. the end of the year, local instability her existing problems proved habitat management approach, in hampered some of insurmountable. A large amount of particularly involving the woodland International Zoo Programmes this work. We also welcomed visits to information has, however, been walks on both sites and establishing A new department of International both our sites by staff from Baghdad shared to assist other Komodo the wild meadow in the former Zoo Programmes (IZP) has now been and Accra Zoos. They came to learn holders worldwide, thanks to the high Congo buffalo paddock at WWAP. established as part of our wider role about advances in animal husbandry standard of pathology services to help zoos in -rich and welfare. Additional links have available in the department. Bat hibernacula were created from countries to improve their animal also been made with Central Zoo in former lion and tiger dells at welfare standards and to develop Kathmandu, and zoos in Hanoi and The new radiographic and ultrasound Whipsnade and by the end of 2004 their own conservation work through Ethiopia have been involved in talks equipment bought during the year to bats had begun to use these new capacity building. The new IZP on zoo-related topics. ZSL has also improve our diagnostic ability is also joined the EAZA Animal Welfare and paying off and has led to Technical Support Committee, which improvements in general animal provides support for zoos in Eastern health care. Europe.

Top left and above: The new Biota! project Biota! In 2004, veterinary staff continued IZP is now pursuing a number of will bring sea-life, , and contacts to develop a ZSL field birds together in a unique wildlife visitor Plans for Biota!, ZSL’s unique their collaboration with English experience conservation-based wildlife visitor Nature on health surveillance of conservation programme for the Jodie Le Cheminant ZSL. Biota! artwork by Hayes Davidson experience (due to open in 2008 in managed species, including common Asian elephant. This programme is and architects Terry Farrell and Partners Silvertown Quays in London, E19) dormice, red kites, field crickets and likely to be linked to the Veterinary Top right: Leopard undergoing an Services Department, which shares intubation anaesthesia during a checkup moved forward considerably during corncrakes. 2004 and we are all set to embark on this interest in elephant health. Facing page: Creative landscapes and planting schemes are transforming our the detailed planning. The Head of Veterinary Services was Links have also been made in both animal habitats. The African Bird Safari also asked to sit on the Great Ape India and Nepal in relation to this exhibit was completed in 2005 The 14,000m facility (an area Health Monitoring Unit’s emergency project. Internal discussions to equivalent to that of five football response team and was invited onto develop ZSL’s interest in black rhino pitches) has been designed to house the International Response Team for are also on-going. invertebrates, fish, reptiles, Mountain Gorillas, which is co- , mammals and free-flying ordinated by the Mountain Gorilla birds in 70 spectacular exhibits, which Veterinary Project (MGVP). combine day-lit glass-roofed biomes and large aquatic tanks. During the year, we also continued our work to assess animal welfare in From tall rainforest trees with free the Living Collection and identify roaming monkeys and birds, through areas where improvements can be to the open oceans and coral reefs, made. As part of this work, we Biota! will represent four ecosystems collected diet information from all our and will create a new class of visitor animal sections. This information will experience for the UK, underpinned allow us to make periodic reviews of by conservation and science. their diets and help us produce a ZSL

8 9 In 2004, ZSL staff were involved in more than 100 different conservation and research Conservation initiatives – both at home and abroad – covering everything from cheetah conservation in Tanzania to building bat boxes at Whipsnade. and Science Our international policy and campaign work also kept up the pressure on the over-hunting of wildlife and the trade in bushmeat, and secured some important legal protection for seahorses. An impressive timetable of work is already underway in 2005.

ZSL co-ordinates these of our biggest challenges. We are, activities through six however, determined to continue conservation programmes: building this project, which is linked with our chimp and gorilla exhibits 1. BUSHMEAT AND FORESTS at London Zoo and Whipsnade. In 2004, ZSL continued to be a major force in the push for an international On the other side of the Congo Basin, solution to the over-hunting of in our new office in Goma, we were wildlife for bushmeat. A conference in delighted to win a 1.5 million euro our Meeting Rooms brought together grant from the European Union. This biologists and social scientists from will support capacity building and around the world to look at the rehabilitation of the Virunga National management issues. The conference Park, building on a previous Darwin proceedings will be published in 2005 Initiative grant. It will also keep ZSL and will add weight to ZSL’s advocacy in touch with this magnificent but work as we step up our Parliamentary war-torn reserve. Rebuilding a campaign following the departure of training centre and re-starting the Barry Gardiner, MP to the Northern guard training programme will be a Ireland Office. focus in 2005.

In 2004, our work with the European 2. CARNIVORES AND PEOPLE Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s Our pioneering work using radio Bushmeat Campaign continued, with tracking to monitor endangered the European Parliament endorsing species in Sumatra progressed well the Bushmeat Petition. In Equatorial in 2004, with the collaring of a Guinea our research into the issue Malayan tapir and a Malayan also intensified and focused on sunbear. The Indonesian forestry establishing the importance of authorities called on ZSL’s technical bushmeat to the livelihoods and diets assistance after they captured a of local rural communities. This work sunbear that had been raiding local has already featured in a policy chicken coops. While capturing and briefing for the Houses of Parliament. translocating ‘problem animals’ away from the site of their misdemeanours In November, our work with gorillas is quite common, the monitoring of in Gabon saw ZSL identified as the animals following their release is not. lead partner at the Mikongo Initially, once collared, transported Conservation Centre, where we have and released, our sunbear walked been active in gorilla tourism and more or less straight back to the related research for the last two years. village. However, he has not caused This welcome recognition comes at a any major problems since. time when the closure of the ECOFAC project, which has supported Data on how our tapir is using the conservation work in Lope National study site is also being picked up Tapir at London Zoo Noel Mclaughlin Park for nearly a decade, poses one almost daily as part of this important 11 Campaign, and in 2004 the Australasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquaria (ARAZPA) followed suit. With additional funds from DEFRA, and other donors, we provided £117,000 to seven projects (in India, Indonesia and Russia) during the year; and by the close of the EAZA Tiger Campaign in September 2004, the grand campaign total raised by zoos was $663,000 over the two years. This money funded nine projects overall and represents an increase in the total NGO budget for tiger conservation of more than 5% per year – a very significant contribution on the part of zoos.

3. DESERTS AND RANGELANDS work with the oil palm company PT programme employs three full-time Further progress in 2004 involved our Asiatic Persada. This complements scientific staff and provides training work with sand and mountain our camera-trapping work, which facilities and a central focus for with the National Commission shows data on the movements of carnivore research and conservation. for Wildlife Conservation and tigers and other large mammals In 2005, it is planned to work with Development in the Kingdom of around the site. The Save The Tiger wildlife authorities to develop a Saudi Arabia. Since starting work Fund, the USFWS Rhino-Tiger Fund, national conservation action plan for here, we have moved from the Tufton Charitable Trust and 21st the carnivores of Tanzania; this will maintaining populations at the King Century Tiger support these studies prioritise species and identify data- Khalid Wildlife Research Centre and the training and equipping of deficient areas to guide conservation (KKWRC) to developing the concept scouts who patrol and remove snares. activities in the future. The UK of a national sand herd, held government’s Darwin Initiative, WCS on private farms and national parks, ZSL’s work with cheetahs in Tanzania and ZSL are funding the programme. with only a few at KKWRC. In 2005, now provides the longest running the protocols for exchanging animals in-depth study of a wild cheetah In the Russian Far East we have been will be finalised. Another new population and has provided most of working in partnership with WCS departure was the decision to appoint what is known about wild cheetahs. Russia and the Vladivostok Institute of a Conservation Education Officer at The work is collaborative and GeographyTIGIS to assess the extent KKWRC to develop educational supported by the Tanzanian authorities, of fires that annually devastate the materials for visitors to the centre its national parks (TANAPA), the home of the country’s remaining 30 and for people living around protected areas. This will be Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute or so Amur leopards. The study has Top left: Camera-trap image of an Amur leopard Above: Cheetahs in Tanzania in the Russian Far East complemented with a stronger focus (TAWIRI), and the Wildlife meant that fire-fighting measures can Sarah Durant ZSL WCS/ISUNR on developing animal exhibits at Conservation Society (WCS). We are now be focused where they will do Left: Released mountain gazelle in Saudi Arabia now distributing leaflets and posters most good. This helped cut burning Top right: Field staff used a specially-adapted KKWRC that promote a better wellington boot to give gas and air to this tapir understanding of the area’s wildlife. that encourage tourists visiting the in the leopards’ core habitat by two- while a radio collar was fitted as part of ZSL’s area and their guides to behave thirds in 2004. We also worked animal monitoring project in Sumatra, Indonesia Sarah Christie ZSL sensitively towards the cheetahs. closely with local NGO Phoenix and Also during 2004, our long-standing Finally, as protected areas alone Anglo-Russian charity AMUR on anti- Above: Bushmeat for sale in Equatorial Guinea monitoring in the Ibex Reserve in – ZSL works to research and raise awareness of cannot ensure a long-term future for poaching education and awareness this trade Saudi Arabia continued to play a these beautiful cats, we are also projects relating to both tigers and Noëlle Kümpel ZSL valuable role in reserve management, looking at how cheetahs and leopards. particularly in light of apparent may co-exist in the larger landscape. declines in ibex numbers. During 2004, ZSL also provided Tanzania is important not just for significant funds for tiger In Kenya, we further developed our cheetahs but also for 34 other species conservation around the world conservation activities, and were of carnivores. In an exciting new through 21st Century Tiger, a fund- pleased to sign a Memorandum of initiative to co-ordinate carnivore raising partnership between ZSL and Understanding with the Kenya conservation, ZSL and TAWIRI have Global Tiger Patrol. In 2003 and 2004, Wildlife Service at the end of the established the Tanzania Carnivore 21st Century Tiger was the focus of year.This outlined our interest in Programme. Based at TAWIRI the European Association of Zoos working together for the conservation headquarters in Arusha, the and Aquaria (EAZA) Conservation of , rhinos, carnivores and

12 13 ungulates. Immediate results came the Darwin Initiative, this project has Conservation Forum – particularly on from surveys to the east of the Tana established the first fully capable the Forum’s South Atlantic Working River with the Kipini Botanical and molecular biology and pathology Group and the executive committee Wildlife Conservancy. A new laboratory in Galapagos. Here, of the Chagos Conservation Trust. population of Ader’s was Ecuadorian staff are now being discovered on the Kenya coast and trained in modern wildlife pathology 5. MARINE AND FRESHWATER confirmed populations of hirola and the investigation of disease The Marine and Freshwater further inland. threats. Highlights from the year Conservation Programme focused included an epidemiology study closer to home in 2004, developing Also in Kenya, we completed the looking at the transfer of disease its Thames Estuary Conservation second year of our Darwin funded from dogs to sea lions and an Project. This aims to answer Black Rhino Project with Kenya international workshop to assess the ecological questions that will help Wildlife Service. This has involved risk posed to the Galapagos by West protect and enhance this important training nearly 200 field staff in rhino Nile Virus, which is spreading across wildlife corridor. monitoring techniques. Surveys of the Americas. animal numbers and the suitability In July, we established the Thames and quantity of vegetation in all of Our Curator of Herpetology spent Marine Mammal Sighting Survey, Kenya’s black rhino national parks, a month in Indonesia with a ZSL which captured the imagination of reserves and sanctuaries were also researcher looking at the nesting the public and helped raise carried out, the results of which are ecology of the Komodo dragon. This awareness about the improving enabling field managers to assess ZSL-funded work to assess the status health of the estuary. The survey, progress as part of the national and composition of the isolated and to assess the movements and conservation strategy. Our site vulnerable dragon population on Gil population distribution of marine support link for the Ngulia Rhino Motang in the Komodo National Park mammals, was designed to bridge Sanctuary was also further developed will make important management the knowledge gap about how by the provision of a ranger patrol recommendations. dolphins, seals and porpoises use vehicle. the Thames Estuary. So far, there We also supported survey work in have been over 170 sightings. Seventy-seven university students nearly 70 Tahitian valleys to assess and park rangers attended another the status of endemic and alien In order to address the major decline of our projects – the Steppe Forward mollusc species and habitats as part in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) Programme in Mongolia. The field of a three-year project to develop a populations, we have been awarded courses in wildlife awareness, funded conservation strategy and action plan funding from The Fishmongers’ by the Darwin Initiative, were run by for the region’s endemic snails and Company and the Environment UK ecology lecturers at field stations their forest habitat. Agency to investigate the use of the in Mongolia’s northern, central and tributaries of the Thames Estuary by southern (Gobi Desert) habitats. More ZSL is now looking at further immigrant juvenile eels (elvers). It is editions of the high-quality conservation research work on island believed that elver recruitment in part Mongolian Journal of Biological ecosystems. Funded by the of its range has reduced up to 99%. Sciences were also produced. Leverhulme Trust, ZSL is studying By comparing our data with historic ‘pattern and process’ in insular data, we will be able to assess how In June, ZSL’s scientific research into mammalian extinctions in the West the elver populations have changed the decline of the Gyps vulture in Indies (representing 37.5% of all over the past 20 years. India won further funding for known modern-era mammalian conservation work. The Society has extinctions). Further afield in Mozambique, our

Top: Scientists treating a vulture in India been jointly responsible (with the marine turtle monitoring and Bombay Natural History Society and ZSL also began a study using genetic protection project in Cabo Delgado Middle: Bermudian land snail Dave Clarke ZSL the RSPB) for spearheading techniques to investigate the social was expanded to include tagging of

Above: A common seal – spotted as part of investigations into a 95–99% decline behaviour, reproductive success and the nesting turtles. This will provide our Thames Marine Mammal Sighting Survey. in three species of native vulture. In systematics of Round Island petrels. scientific information on turtle The seal was first seen at Rotherhithe and was February 2004, ZSL, along with our The work will be in collaboration with populations and help us develop followed up to Iain Green two partner organisations, held an the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation and regional management strategies.

Facing page top: ZSL exploring a hatched turtle international vulture recovery Queen Mary University of London. Over 250 nests, 87% belonging to nest in Mozambique with the Cabo Delgado workshop. Post-project funding has Other conservation collaborations green turtles (Chelonia mydas) Biodiversity and Tourism Project team been made available through the UK were with: the Bermuda Natural and 13% to hawksbill turtles Facing page bottom: Project Seahorse works government’s Darwin Initiative. History Museum – breeding the (Eretmochelys imbricata) have been with communities in the Phillipines to restore habitats by planting mangrove seedlings highly endangered Bermudian land recorded, protected and monitored. Sophie Oliver ZSL 4. ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS snail (Poecilozonites circumfirmatus) During the year we continued our at ZSL’s Invertebrate Conservation 2004 was an exciting year for Project investigations of disease threats to Unit; and our continued participation Seahorse, with several landmark endemic Galapagos fauna. Funded by on the UK Overseas Territories achievements. In January, the Project

14 15 Seahorse Foundation for Marine species. Interestingly, this showed Conservation celebrated its first that the male produces only just birthday. We also celebrated the listing enough sperm for fertilisation. In of seahorses on Appendix II of the collaboration with the University of Convention on International Trade in Exeter, we are now studying zebrafish Endangered Species (CITES). All trade spermatozoa to see if environmental in seahorses must now be monitored. chemicals affect reproduction. The ZSL is a partner of Project Seahorse. Reproductive Biology group also finished its study of spermatogenesis In response to the 2004 tsunami in the harbour porpoise. This work will disaster, ZSL is supporting the assist projects looking at the Mangrove Action Project to protect effects of endocrine-disrupting and rehabilitate mangrove habitats in chemicals on these sea mammals. Sumatra. By working with local communities, non-governmental During the year, a number of high- organisations and the government, profile scientific publications were the project will rehabilitate over 100 and social structure of the black bog also produced. One landmark report, hectares of mangrove. This will ant, and one study will help develop with which we were closely involved, provide increased coastal protection a new strategy for managing the was the IUCN Red List of Threatened and provide important nursery- conflict between geese and farming Species; A Global Species Assessment. grounds for fish and shrimp. in Scotland. In 2004 we also started This was launched amid a flurry of an exciting project with the RSPB media interest and much acclaim at 6. UK NATIVE SPECIES looking at the big decline in London’s the World Conservation Congress in We have continued to expand our house sparrows; this is in addition to Bangkok. Apart from a wealth of new work on UK species with the our work on the causes of disease in data, this includes new techniques for appointment of a Conservation British garden birds. monitoring species trends, including Programme Manager. ‘the ’, developed by ZSL, Improving habitats for native species the IUCN, BirdLife International, and During 2004, over 1,000 field crickets at our zoos continued to be a focus Conservation International. The index were bred at London Zoo as part of during the year. At Whipsnade, five has been added to the list of potential our Species Recovery Programme new bat hibernacula were created. biodiversity indicators that will be collaboration with English Nature. One new resident was a Daubenton’s used to monitor progress towards the bat – a new record for Whipsnade. 2010 Biodiversity Target. The corncrake project had a implications for parasite control to single mating as part of the particularly successful year, with 88 At London Zoo, nest boxes were put In 2004, ZSL and its collaborators programmes in wild and domesticated evolutionary process. chicks reared and 75 released at the up for house sparrows, and the roof showed how domain area and animals. Nene Washes. Sightings confirm that of the shop became a principal site population density relates to body Our scientific work with the UK our corncrakes are breeding there. for a major study looking at how size in terrestrial mammals. Using a A team from IoZ also discovered, Cetacean Stranding Scheme (co- green roof design can influence simple model we were able to predict using behavioural observations and ordinated by ZSL) and scientists in Our vets continued to be heavily invertebrate biodiversity. This type of the ability of animals to defend micro satellite genotyping, that the Canary Islands produced the involved with the UK Species research is complemented by regular territory of different sizes. For the workers in a bumblebee species were second of two articles in Nature, Recovery Programme, assessing surveys of birds and moths. The largest species, about 90% of the able to produce sons, parasitically, in describing a new pathological disease risks associated with the British Entomological and Natural resources of home territory are lost other colonies of their own species. condition affecting whales, dolphins reintroduction of pool frogs to Britain History Society survey at London Zoo to neighbours. This extreme level of As this behaviour could be common and porpoises similar to ‘the bends’ and conducting pathological also provided a wealth of useful overlap in large mammals has in other social insects like ants and in divers. In April 2004, the investigations and field work as part information. implications for our understanding wasps, this work may help explain international Technical Workshop in of the Cirl Bunting Species Recovery of sociality and for the design of why current evolutionary theory does Baltimore, organised by the US Project. Health surveillance and The appliance of science protected areas. not adequately account for the level Marine Mammal Commission, disease risk analysis was also carried The work of the Institute of Zoology of worker reproduction observed in recommended more research on this. out on field crickets, corncrakes, red – the scientific research wing of ZSL Institute scientists also contributed natural colonies. kites, and common dormice. – can be read in full by visiting the four articles to the major science Green Teams ZSL website (www.zsl.org/science) journal Nature, one showing, for the The team also demonstrated, in a Our Green Teams continued to meet Top: Releasing British field crickets The focus also remained on some Paul Pearce-Kelly ZSL first time, how inter-specific study of leafcutting ants, the reasons throughout the year at both

of our smallest creatures, with the Only certain highlights from the year Middle: Corncrake interactions shape parasite gut why some ants prefer many mates Whipsnade and Regent’s Park to completion of a research project included: work that found the helminth communities in a wild and others pick just one partner. The review ZSL’s Environment Policy. This Above: The scientific annual report for the into the foraging behaviour of urban parental age and size of seahorses Institute of Zoology mammal population. A statistical paper – published in Nature – showed was drafted with Cranfield University,

bumblebees. We continued the has a profound influence on the Facing page: A ZSL scientist studies the analysis of a 23-year dataset of how females of the free-living species which also supported us with an research into the ecology and future fitness and development of effects of pollution and how this affects parasite counts revealed a complex mated with up to ten males, but that environmental systems review, genetics of the rare British great their offspring. This study provided healthy animal sperm network of interactions between five its socially parasitic relative mated providing a framework for the yellow bumblebee. Other work more information on the species of parasite infecting a wild only once. These results show, for the substantial amount of environmental looked at the ecological requirements characteristics of spermatozoa in the rabbit population. This may have first time, a reversion from multiple management we do at both sites.

16 17 A dynamic new programme of on-site events and educational activities was just one of the ways ZSL added to the ‘visitor experience’ in 2004. A new guidebook for London Zoo, a programme of temporary attractions and a highly successful overhaul of education services all helped ‘add value’ for visitors and kept through-the-gate numbers up. A major investment for the year was also the creation of a new Interpretation Department to take this important work forward.

Team work We also started removing some of The creation of a new Interpretation our older notice boards and Department brought together our information points and began the Children’s Zoo and the Animal work of developing a new corporate Activities staff who lead our live look for the zoos; it is hoped that this animal displays at London Zoo, and will be well underway at both our graphics function. The new unit London and Whipsnade by the will help develop awareness of ZSL’s middle of 2005. work and focus on the task of providing innovative and enjoyable Interpretation and experiences and learning exhibit design opportunities for visitors. The creation of London Zoo’s new It will also have a key role in future Komodo dragon exhibit created a capital projects, and will initiate a new focus for exhibit design, and the formalised visitor research settings provided by ZSL for its programme for ZSL. animals. This project gave us an opportunity to demonstrate our As part of this move, ZSL has commitment to improving the visitor invested in new equipment and experience, while creating a first- design expertise for its graphics class animal facility. Floor-to-ceiling division, which is transforming our glass provides excellent viewing of in-house capability. This allowed ZSL the giant lizards, while imaginative to design the new guidebooks and a planting has created a tropical island series of trails and exhibitions for setting. Inside, timber-lined walls both sites during 2004. The use of hung with genuine Indonesian large-scale graphics and decorations fishing baskets, recorded birdsong on our Northern Lights at Christmas from the island of Flores, and a Discovery Pullman Trail also demonstrated the model of a carcass all help to potential for design to improve the convey an exotic atmosphere. site’s appearance and simplify operations, with a single visitor One of our biggest challenges was, leaflet – pulling together the map, however, how to help visitors find and Learning events and trail information – the new exhibit, which is down a proving very popular. very narrow passage and behind the House. This resulted in an This bodes well for 2005, and some imaginative interpretation solution, ambitious plans have been lined up including a winding path and the use that will challenge the way in which of banners to highlight some of the visitors have traditionally seen and more fearsome aspects of dragon learned about animals at both sites. behaviour to encourage visitors into We believe this will also strengthen the dragons’ lair! An interactive the way ZSL presents itself and its computer game on the unusual key messages, including its status as behaviour of baby dragons has also Learning through play at London Zoo Noel Mclaughlin a major conservation organisation. proved popular, while a dragon- 19 shaped collection box is generating Education activities funds for ZSL conservation projects. During the year, considerable progress was made on the At Whipsnade, the new indoor development of a new education and ‘chimpnasium’ was complemented by activities programme for schools and a trail where visitors can take brass families visiting London Zoo and rubbings and investigate researchers’ Whipsnade. ZSL will also be notebooks to discover aspects of concentrating on the strategic chimpanzee behaviour. development of a new Outreach programme during 2005. Our main focus in the second half of the year was the Lions of the Serengeti Schools’ Programme project at Whipsnade (which opened The development of our Schools’ Easter 2005). This exhibit will make Programme at Whipsnade, which significant strides towards establishing started during 2004, has been a new model for the way in which the particularly gratifying. In just three- Park is presented. and-a-half months, more than 5,000 children were taught at the Park. The We also started creating a dynamic project began early in the year with programme of temporary new the transformation of one of our attractions, which will raise ZSL’s buildings into a classroom and the profile and keep our visitors coming recruitment of an education officer to back. A range of approaches was tried teach a range of activities to visiting during the year and, although primary and secondary school popular, we had problems finding a children. A programme of activities venue within Regent’s Park that could was drawn up after on-site research house the exhibits for long enough to to find out what schools want. There justify the time and effort involved in are also schools co-ordinators and developing them. Not to be beaten, bookings staff on both sites, and staff we commissioned a series of and volunteers now welcome groups ‘minimalist monoliths’, positioned in at the gate – all of which has the heart of the zoo. These cheerful improved our service to teachers and eye-catching additions are proving a schools immeasurably. big attraction. Whipsnade’s windy weather conditions mean a chunkier At London Zoo, there were record solution will be needed and there are who has ‘flown the nest’ on several attendances by schools, with figures plans to build a display wall near the occasions while on display (but topping 90,000 children in 2004. More Discovery Centre in 2005. always soon returns), was re-housed, than 37,000 pupils benefited directly with her colleagues, in smart new from activities in the Education ZSL also jumped at the chance to opposite the hippo pool. This Centre, with rooms booked to display three bronze animal area can be closed to the public and capacity throughout the summer sculptures, loaned for six months by means these birds can be managed term. Hands-on sessions continue to renowned sculptor Tessa Fraser as a ‘behind–the-scenes’ attraction or be the most popular among primary Campbell. The hippo sculptures, while given seclusion where necessary. schools, while talks on marketing, hard to install in the middle of a lake, running a zoo and customer service proved particularly popular and Our amphitheatre – the venue for our are popular with students on GNVQ demonstrated the potential for large- Animals in Action display – was also courses in Leisure & Tourism. scale art to shape and enhance the adapted to allow for stage Above: Imaginative banners tempt intrepid visitors into the ‘dragon’s lair’ at London Zoo Whipsnade experience. performances all year round. This ZSL Outreach initiative means we no longer have to decamp In a major new initiative for ZSL, the Right: ‘Minimalist monoliths’ – part of a new Live interpretation Top: ZSL’s new education and to what were less suitable locations Society launched its new Outreach range of eye-catching exhibits activities programme is attracting At London Zoo, our Animal Activities record attendances by schools in the winter. Further minor programme. This project is being team continued to deliver the very improvements will be made in developed in two phases and will Above: Animals in Action – popular Animals in Action bringing conservation to life 2005/6. significantly increase our capacity to presentation and the Predatory Birds raise awareness of the additional display. There are now plans to The teams that run ZSL’s animal work we carry out, beyond our zoos. increase our ‘celebrity’ line-up of displays and the Children’s Zoo have The first phase – for primary and animals so that we can extend and also been discussing proposals for secondary schools – has been refresh these daily displays. the future of live interpretation as devised so as not to compete directly well as what we provide for families with visits to our animal collections. In March, Delilah, our tawny eagle, at our London site. A dynamic team, called the Rainforest

20 21 Discovery and learning Both ZSL’s Lifewatch magazine and for families displays in the library’s Reading In 2004 we developed a series of Room also helped showcase some of educational trails and events in a the rare and beautiful books and fresh approach to fun activities for zoological accounts from the library’s young families. Realistic-looking collection. Similar displays are passports were given to children at planned for 2005, the first of which London Zoo so they could collect a will feature a letter to ZSL from ‘stamp’ on each part of their journey . as they found out more about endangered island species. Earlier in Special behind-the-scenes library the year, it was our Sense-ation event tours were also arranged for a group that pulled in the crowds. Visitors of students and staff from the School were asked to listen to animal sounds of Library, Archive and Information in a game of bingo, to guess the Studies at University College, and for mystery scents and smells, and to a group from the Friends and touch animal artefacts and mimic a supporters of the American Museum chameleon’s tongue. of Natural History.

This year’s campaign by ZSL for the Library displays included a European Association of Zoos and celebration of 70 years of the Aquaria (EAZA) centred on raising Lubetkin Penguin Pool (opened in awareness of the work of 21st 1934), and a display of our fascinating Century Tiger – a project in which ZSL old zoo postcards. Both exhibits Roadshow, was also contracted to is a key player. Our activities raised attracted considerable interest. deliver its presentation on the more than £10,000 to support tigers rainforest of South America. Shows in Sumatra and Russia. A project is now underway to were put on in Shropshire, the West catalogue the library’s archives to Midlands, Worcestershire and Christmas at the Children’s Zoo complete our new on-line catalogue. Staffordshire. Back at base, the ZSL featured the highly entertaining Elves Similar to the book catalogue already education team created activities Workshop, which supported the ever- on the Internet, this on-line catalogue designed to encourage children – popular Nativity story, featuring will allow users to search for archives both at home and at school – to lead donkeys, sheep, cows and . by subject or by a person’s name. sustainable lives. An evaluation of An imaginative trail, based on the This emerging archives’ catalogue these first forays into outreach will animals from the Philip Pullman can be found at https://library.zsl.org help us with planning in 2005. novels, also significantly increased the number of families attending over Another new venture was the Courses and training the festive holiday period. appointment of a Library Visiting 2004 proved a busy year for ZSL. As a Scholar. Professor Geoff Moore, of Top: The Society runs advanced training classes regional co-ordinator for the two-year ZSL Library the University of London Marine for the country’s top keepers Noel Mclauglin training programme for keepers (the A comprehensive strategic review of Biological Station in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, received the Above: Volunteers play a key role in delivering Advanced National Certificate in the the ZSL Library has been carried out. ZSL’s education programme Management of Zoo Animals), we The library loaned some 2,470 items honorary title, which allows taught 38 trainee keepers – providing to Fellows during the year and privileged access to our library and a staggering 114 tutorials. The first continues to provide a valuable archives. Professor Moore visited ZSL intake for 2005 – in March – included reference facility and an increasing to study the manuscript travel 14 ZSL staff. number of on-line services. All key journals of William Baird. stakeholders were involved in We also received excellent feedback planning the future of this excellent Last, but by no means least, we thank from teachers attending our tailored resource and their findings will be our dedicated band of volunteers and INSET (In-service training) days and implemented in 2005. the many Fellows and Friends of ZSL from six students on their PGCE who continued to support the library teacher training. During the summer, the library with their time, by donating books, supported the archives, zoo ephemera, and funds A new addition to our short courses Lecture (see Awards, meetings and for the conservation of items in our in 2004 was the Diversity of British publications), given by Sir David collection. Habitats evening class. On average, Attenborough, with a display of this 12-week course, along with illustrations of birds of paradise and Animal Ecology & Conservation, bower birds, which attracted a great attracts 25 students. deal of interest.

22 An essential part of ZSL’s work is helping to communicate information between zoologists, researchers and the public. We do this through a varied programme including meetings, the publication of scientific journals and books, and the presentation of our prestigious Scientific Awards each year.

ZSL Scientific Awards 2004 THE ZSL SILVER MEDAL In recognition of outstanding Awarded to Field Marshall Sir John achievements in the field of zoological Chapple for long and distinguished research and conservation. The service to the Zoological Society of awards and winners for 2004 were: London, and his contribution to wildlife conservation. THE ZSL FRINK MEDAL FOR BRITISH ZOOLOGISTS THE BIOSIS AWARD FOR For significant and original COMMUNICATING ZOOLOGY contributions by professional Awarded to an individual for a zoologists to the development of communication of a zoological nature zoology in its wider implications: that has an outstanding impact on a Professor Malcolm Burrows, FRS, general audience: University of Cambridge, for his Dr Armand Leroi, Imperial College research on the neuronal basis of London, for his book, Channel 4 TV behaviour. series, and public lectures on Mutants.

THE SCIENTIFIC MEDAL THE CHARLES DARWIN AWARD Awarded to zoologists, 40 years Open to undergraduate students of age and under, in recognition attending university in the UK for of scientific merit: an outstanding zoological research Professor Ian Owens, Imperial project: College London, who has applied Julia Hunt, Imperial College London, cross-taxonomic comparative for her project Effects of competition methods to help understand more and dispersal on coexistence in two- clearly the selective forces and species metapopulations. phylogenetic constraints that have shaped avian biology. THE PRINCE PHILIP PRIZE Professor Ben Sheldon, University Sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust of Oxford, for his use of bird models Open to pupils under 19 years of age, to explore the evolutionary biology at schools or other places of of reproductive decision-making, the education in the UK, on the basis of application of quantitative genetics an account of practical work involving to ecology, and the integration of life- some aspects of animal biology: history analysis with sexual selection. Holly Barden, of Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire, for her study THE MARSH AWARD FOR Finding the effects of changing CONSERVATION BIOLOGY colony density on the growth rate Sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust of Triops longicaudatus. For contributions of fundamental science and its applications to the HONORARY FELLOWSHIP conservation of animal species and Awarded to: Sir Martin Holdgate, Awards, meetings habitats: until last year ZSL’s President, in Professor Chris Thomas, University recognition of his commitment to of York, for his work on butterflies, conservation biology and the Society. which has had a major impact on and publications their conservation. Institute of Zoology Noel Mclaughlin 25 broad perspective on problems and Science meetings solutions in conservation. Sir CH FRS The meeting was organised by presented the 2004 Stamford Raffles Isabelle Côté and John Reynolds, Lecture, Bird artists and artist birds: and co-hosted with the Fisheries plumes and bowers in New Guinea, Conservation Foundation. which was sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board and Publications Singapore Airlines. The continued to attract an increasing number of high- Scientific Meetings were held quality research papers. This journal, throughout the academic year and published monthly, promotes covered a range of subjects, hypothesis-driven studies of interest including: A healthy pallor: the link to all readers of zoology and provides between avian plumage colour and comprehensive coverage of the latest immunocompetence and Insect/plant research. interactions: from parasitism to mutualism. We also introduced a new The quarterly journal Animal series of Scientific Debates that Conservation provides a forum for included The Bushmeat Debate: the rapid publication of rigorous extinction and sustainability and How theoretical or empirical studies much of a threat is infectious disease related to conservation biology. It to biodiversity conservation? Above: Nature Conservation Minister Ben Bradshaw (right) opened ZSL’s Coral Reef Conservation Symposium. He is pictured here with event focuses on innovative research and organisers John Reynolds and Isobelle Côté and with Clive Wilkinson, ideas from ecology and evolutionary Three two-day international symposia Editor of Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2004 biology. were held during the year. Catalysts for conservation: a direction for zoos The Conservation Biology book in the 21st century was co-hosted by series, published with Cambridge ZSL and WCS and supported by the University Press, includes titles that North of Zoological Society. reflect our research interests and The conference brought together provides an extensive review of a leading thinkers and practitioners particular topic. Books currently in familiar with the in-situ and ex-situ production include: Phylogeny and conservation roles of zoos and conservation and People and wildlife: aquaria. Key issues discussed conflict or co-existence. included the future growth and opportunities for improving The International Zoo Yearbook is conservation programmes. dedicated to promoting best practice for in-situ management and The second symposium, conservation of wild animals in Management of marine ecosystems: captivity. Production of Volume 39, monitoring change in upper trophic which focuses on zoo animal nutrition, levels, was co-hosted by ZSL, continued in 2004. Articles in Section IMPRESS (Interactions between the 2, The Developing Zoo World, range Marine Environment, Predators and from the growth and development Prey: Implications for Sustainable of Tasmanian devils to using DNA to Sandeel Fisheries) and SMRU (Sea determine paternity in Asian Mammal Research Unit). The elephants. The reference section conference examined advances in includes a list of Zoos and Aquaria research on the ecology of marine Top: Sir David Attenborough with Raja, of the World, a comprehensive list the Komodo dragon, at London Zoo predators and explored how of zoo associations and a register information from these species could Above: Sir David Attenborough delivered of international studbooks. the 2004 Stamford Raffles Lecture be used to optimise conservation management. Above right: Coral reef The third symposium, on Coral reef conservation, brought together people with a diverse set of interests in coral reefs, ranging from ecologists to economists concerned with the well-being of the people who depend on reefs. The aim was to develop a 26 27 January May September

Increasing awareness and understanding of ZSL’s work is key to our success, and bringing ZSL in our work to the attention of the national media is a main focus of the public relations team. We went all-out in 2004 to ensure that ZSL the eye stayed in the headlines throughout the year.

These are just some of the stories coverage for our work for World of the that were featured by the national Ocean’s Day and our campaign asking February June October media... people to donate their old wellies to our anteaters at London Zoo. January got off to a flying start with coverage of our annual animal stock- July got off to a fantastic start with media take, a visit by Arsenal’s Gilberto to lots of exposure following the arrival meet his namesake – a giant anteater of London’s Komodo dragon, Raja. – and promotion for both sites as The Press also covered our elephant perfect wedding venues. festival at Whipsnade, the Zoo Poo exhibition in London, our Thames February included coverage of marine mammal survey, and our Whipsnade’s baby hippo, ZSL’s fight to Frozen Ark project. retain Gift Aid funding, and there was a big ‘splash’ on our Animal Blind August began with some brilliant Date and adoptions programme for coverage of ZSL’s corncrake Valentine’s Day. ZSL also made conservation work and continued headlines with the Bushmeat Debate, with news of Ginger Sunday and chaired by Elliott Morley. pictures of the hot weather at both London Zoo and Whipsnade. March July November March saw coverage of ZSL’s rescue project for Bermudian land snails, September saw London Zoo’s the IoZ’s work on marine mammal Gardening Appeal in the news, with strandings, and the arrival of the year’s photographs of our second Asian first penguin chicks at London Zoo. elephant calf at Whipsnade, ZSL’s British field cricket conservation April was a bumper month that began project and our work to conserve with superb coverage for our Talking India’s endangered vultures. Chimp project, promoting Whipsnade’s new chimp enclosure. We continued October saw media interest in the to hit the headlines with the birth of two newcomers for ZSL – namely the Whipsnade’s first Asian elephant calf, baby giraffe at Whipsnade and Lucifer the arrival of king vultures at London the lion in London. Gardening Appeal Zoo and the birth of Phoebe, a giant coverage continued to roll in. stick insect. November included reports on our May showcased ZSL’s work with new bushmeat research, and the April August December rhinos through the Rhino Mayday at arrival of Tessa Fraser Campbell’s London Zoo. We also made a ‘splash’ sculptures at Whipsnade. Coverage of with the arrival of a hairy armadillo the birth of the first endangered cloud at Regent’s Park and our , rat at London Zoo and the Zoo Poo which wowed the crowds in exhibit at Whipsnade also continued. Whipsnade’s bird show. December saw extensive coverage of June saw ZSL’s conservation work our Philip Pullman trail at London Zoo, highlighted with news of the big cat the arrival of our aptly-named sperm bank, the first documented Christmas tree worms and more red sighting of an Ader’s duiker in the river hog babies, along with the Dodori Forest and our Stamford traditional Christmas photocalls and Raffles Lecture. We also achieved our adoption packages for both sites.

28 29 Treasurer’s Statement refurbishment of the Oasis Café, ZSL recorded a consolidated surplus improved exhibits for penguins on operations of £1.9 million and an and birds used in performances at Financial overall surplus, after profits on Regent’s Park, the completion of valuation of investments, of £2.1 the new chimpanzee facility, the million. These compare with figures management of waste water from of £1.4 million operating surplus and the penguin pools, improving our overall surplus, before exceptional environmental management, and information items, of £1.7 million in 2003. This is a the start of the new lion exhibit at good result for the year. Whipsnade.

ZSL remains dependent on its two The improvement on the valuation zoos for the bulk of its income. In of investments in ZSL’s Pension Fund 2004, London Zoo visitor numbers has been maintained and the fund were 844,573, an increase of 31,544 is in surplus. There has been no on 2003. Whipsnade’s visitor numbers requirement to further increase were 422,741, slightly lower than last funding as in the last two years. This year. However, visitors overall rose is monitored by ZSL and the pension by 10,000 on 2003. fund trustees on a regular basis.

Income figures benefited from a Trustees’ Statement further increase in Gift Aid recoveries accompanying the Group and the retention of the full Summarised Financial Statements admission income, with no VAT being The Group Summarised Financial payable to HM Customs & Excise. Statements are not the statutory Gift Aid on day membership in 2004 accounts but a summary of amounted to almost £1.5 million. information relating to the Group However, this will be affected by Statement of Financial Activities, changes in the rules to Gift Aid on Group Statement of Cash Flows and day membership in the 2005 Budget. the Group Balance Sheet. The full This may have a significant effect on Trustees’ Report and Financial our operating surplus in future years. Statements, from which the summarised financial statements are The comparative results for 2003 derived, have been externally reflect the success of our claim examined by Ernst & Young LLP and against HM Customs & Excise, which their audit report on them is inflated the surplus for that year by unqualified. The full Trustees’ Report £10 million. A proportion of these and Financial Statements and Ernst & funds have been and will be used to Young LLP’s audit report on them were improve our animal exhibits and the approved by the Trustees on 19 April infrastructure at both sites. 2005 and will be submitted to the Charity Commission. Ernst & Young Both the Institute of Zoology and LLP approved and signed their audit Conservation Programmes increased report on 19 April 2005. Copies can their revenues with new grants in be obtained from the Finance Director 2004. These relate to specific projects at The Zoological Society of London, and, whilst supporting ZSL’s mission, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. do not contribute to the overall surplus to fund future development. Signed on behalf of the Trustees on 5 May 2005 Our costs rose compared to 2003, in areas that included maintenance, expenditure on staff, and facilities to improve the effectiveness of ZSL, as well as general wage and inflation rises.

The total capital spend of £4.4 million Paul Rutteman, CBE, BSc (Econ), FCA was largely on upgrading and Treasurer refurbishment at both sites, but also included the new Komodo dragon Penguins at London Zoo exhibit. Other work included Noel Mclaughlin 31 Group Summarised Financial Statements Group Summarised Financial Statements (continued)

Summary Group Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2004 Summary Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2004 Year Year 31.12.04 31.12.03 to 31.12.04 to 31.12.03 £000 £000 £000 £000 Incoming resources Fixed assets Tangible assets 17,826 15,399 Incoming resources from operating activities of the charity: Investments 3,187 3,074 Activities in furtherance of objectives: 21,013 18,473 Admission 13,509 11,981 Current assets Membership and similar income 1,290 1,197 Stocks 296 346 Recovery of Value Added Tax – 7,524 Debtors 2,428 12,245 Publication sales and similar income 391 437 Cash at bank and in hand 17,197 7,878 Contract and fee income 733 656 19,921 20,469 Grants 3,695 3,629 Activities for generating funds: Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (3,268) (3,421) Merchandising and catering income 5,443 4,213 Facility fee and rental income 55 344 Net current assets 16,653 17,048 Other sales and fees 793 836 Donations, legacies and other income 590 529 Net assets 37,666 35,521 Interest and investment income 827 2,874 Funds Total incoming resources 27,326 34,220 Unrestricted – General 30,804 28,960 – Designated 3,086 2,900 Resources expended Restricted – Endowments 995 887 – Other 2,781 2,774 Cost of generating funds: Fundraising costs 149 106 Total Funds 37,666 35,521 Merchandising and catering costs 3,640 2,815 Charitable expenditure: Cost of activities in furtherance of objects: Animal collection costs 14,555 13,369 Science and research 4,047 3,866 Independent Auditors’ Statement to the Trustees of the Zoological Society of London Conservation programmes 1,419 1,185 Support costs 1,289 1,174 We have examined the Group’s Summarised Financial Statements for the year ended Management and administration 293 293 31 December 2004, which comprise the Summary Group Statement of Financial Activities, Summary Group Statement of Cash Flows and the Summary Group Balance Sheet. Total resources expended 25,392 22,808 This report is made solely to the Trustees. To the fullest extent required by the law, we do Operating surplus for the year 1,934 11,412 not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Trustees, for our work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Gains on investments 211 312 Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditors Surplus for the year 2,145 11,724 The Trustees are responsible, as trustees, for the preparation of the Summarised Financial Statements. We have agreed to report to you our opinion on the summarised statements’ Total funds balance brought forward 35,521 23,797 consistency with the full Financial Statements, which were approved by the Trustees on 19 April 2005 and on which we signed our audit report on 19 April 2005. Total funds balance carried forward 37,666 35,521 Basis of opinion Summary Group Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2004 We have carried out the procedures we consider necessary to ascertain whether the Year Year summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements from to 31.12.04 to 31.12.03 which they have been prepared. £000 £000 Opinion In our opinion the Summarised Financial Statements are consistent with the full Financial Operating surplus for the year 1,934 11,412 Statements for the year ended 31 December 2004.

Add/(Deduct): Recovery of Value Added Tax and related interest, net of professional fees 9,995 (9,995) Add: Depreciation 1,996 1,518 13,925 2,935

Deduct: Purchase of tangible fixed assets (net of disposals) (4,430) (3,566) Add/(Deduct): Sale of fixed asset investments (net of purchases) 98 (128) 9,593 (759) Ernst & Young LLP Registered Auditor Changes in other assets and liabilities (274) 602 London

Net cash inflow/(outflow) 9,319 (157) 5 May 2005 32 33 We are very grateful for the support that we receive for our work from non-governmental Thank you! organisations, companies, trusts, statutory bodies and individuals. Fellows, friends and animal adopters all provide us with valuable funding towards our work to conserve animals and their habitats worldwide.

We are not able to list every French Polynesia individual, but would very much like Engineering and Physical Sciences to thank everyone for their generous Research Council support and the loyal community of English Nature 250 volunteers who work with ZSL European Union each year, mainly extending the Government of educational work of the two zoos Authority and helping on the animal sections. Higher Education Funding Council We would especially like to thank for England the following organisations and National Commission for Wildlife individuals: Conservation & Development, Saudi Arabia Companies Royal Society Acona Ltd Scottish Natural Heritage ART Porcine Ltd States of Jersey Department for BP Education, Sport and Culture British Salt US Fish and Wildlife Service Camelot Woodland Grants and Woodland CDC Capital Partners Improvement Grants, Exxon Mobil Forestry Commission Finnforest UK Ltd Non-governmental Linklaters organisations, societies, News International Ltd trusts and universities Outlook Windows Ltd Ambika Paul Foundation Paper Round Amur Pilkington Anglesey Sea Zoo Rio Tinto Ann R Elfers Conservation Fund Singapore Airlines Atlantic Salmon Trust Singapore Tourism Board Bridge House Trust Sovereign Capital British Andrology Society Sygen International British Ecological Society Thames Water Clore Duffield Foundation Veredus Executive Resourcing Conservation International Statutory and other grant Duke of Rutland Memorial Trust making bodies East Midland Zoological Society BBC Natural History Unit Edinburgh Trust British Embassy in Quito, Ecuador Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Countryside Stewardship Grant, Foundation DEFRA European Association of Zoos and Darwin Initiative, DEFRA Aquaria (EAZA) Defence Science and Technology Frankfurt Zoological Society Laboratory (DSTL) Galapagos Conservation Trust Department of Environment, Green Korea Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Howard Buffett Foundation Flamingos at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Direction de l’Environnment, Institute of Applied Ecology, Italy Noel Mclaughlin 35 Front cover: Elephants at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Noel Mclaughlin

This page: Squirrel monkeys IUCN (World Conservation Union) Mark Johnson undertaking activities led by their King Mahendra Trust for Nature Mishal Kanoo own teachers using the Zoo’s Conservation Debbie Mason educational materials and trails. Kipini Wildlife and Botanical Phil and Christine Miles Support from the Clore Conservancy Glenn Myer Duffield Foundation Leverhulme Trust Martyn Notley The Clore Duffield Foundation has Marwell Zoological Park Sylvia Notley committed £1 million over five years Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Anna Parry towards the refurbishment of the National Birds of Prey Trust Jay Patel Clore Pavillion at London Zoo. The National Institutes of Health, USA E Ratcliffe Clore building was originally opened Natural Environment Research Council David Reid Scott as a small mammal house in the North of England Zoological Society Rose Family 1960s with the generous support of the late Sir Charles Clore. At the time, Royal Microscopical Society A Rozenbrek it was acclaimed as a revolutionary Royal Society for the Protection of Mohinder Pal R Sood zoo facility, leading the way in animal Birds (RSPB) Patron Richard Stephens welfare and display. Her Majesty The Queen Royal Veterinary College Hayley Tompkins Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Sean Tranmere Now, nearly 40 years later, the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation Ananth Viswanathan proposed refurbishment will improve MEMBERS OF COUNCIL DURING 2004 Save the Tiger Fund Paul Walker the facility in a number of ways, President Society for Reproduction and Fertility ensuring that the building remains Harry Wilkinson Sir Martin Holdgate CB, MA, PhD, DSc (hc), CBiol, FIBiol† Thriplow Charitable Trust a wonderful educational attraction Professor Sir Patrick Bateson PhD, ScD, FRS* Tufton Charitable Trust We are grateful to have been and a significant highlight within the (appointed President 15 June 2004) University College London included in the wills of a overall experience of London Zoo. Secretary Wildlife Conservation Society number of our supporters. Professor Paul H Harvey BA, MA, DPhil, DSc, FRS The focus of the new Clore Centre Woodland Park Zoological Society, We received the following for Small Mammals will be a South Seattle legacies in 2004: Treasurer American rainforest. The flora and Paul Rutteman CBE, BSc(Econ), FCA Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Charles Peter Finch fauna existing in such areas are under Zoological Society of Scotland Olive Muriel Hall severe pressure from large-scale Sheila Anderson BSc, MCIPR† H P Harfield Richard Melville Ballerand BSc(Econ), BSc, DCouns, FRUSI, FLS deforestation, urban development, Schools John Roy Kerrell Professor John Beddington CMG, FRS poaching and the illegal pet trade. Professor David Bellamy OBE, BSc, PhD, FIBiol, FLS (Hon) Acorn School, Notting Hill Mary Massida The Clore Centre will provide an Brian Bertram MA, PhD, CBiol, FIBiol* Bromley High School A B Partridge excellent opportunity for London Alison Cook PhD* Girls’ School Rachel D Plunket Zoo to communicate the diversity David Dixon PhD, FIBiol John Edwards MA, FLS† of forest species and the desperate Stanley Stammers Roger Ewbank OBE, MVSc, MRCVS, FIBiol† Individuals Victor Roy Summers need for their conservation. Tony Fincham BSc, PhD (resigned 9 November 2004) Andrew Greenwood MA, VetMB, DipECAMS, FIBiol, FRCVS* (Donors of £200 and over) Lilian Young FURTHER INFORMATION D Adler Bridge House Trust Ray Heaton CertEd, BEd, GIBiol, MSc, FRGS, FLS In 2004, a grant of £135,000 from Nick Jackson MBE (co-opted 17 February 2005) Director General’s Office 020 7449 6207 Sylvia Akinyemi GLA free visits for Professor James Kirkwood BVSc, PhD, FIBiol, MRCVS* Membership 020 7449 6228 the Bridge House Trust enabled ZSL Gerald Arnheld London schools Professor Nigel Leader-Williams BVSc, PhD, MRCVS† Conservation Programmes 020 7449 6304 to implement a wide range of Nicola Aubrey Since 2001, the Greater London Professor David Macdonald MA, DPhil, DSc, FIBiol Vice President Development 020 7449 6582 improvements to disabled access Timothy May BSc† Institute of Zoology Authority has supported ZSL with an 020 7449 6610 Fiona Bamber at London Zoo. These included the Azra Meadows MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol, FLS Library 020 7449 6293 annual grant of £350,000 to enable Joshua Bramley installation of ramps, automatic Sean Rovai DCA, MTSI* London Zoo 020 7722 3333 London schools to benefit from free Martin Rowson MA Vice President Whipsnade Wild Animal Park 01582 872171 Steve Brand doors and hearing loops, making the educational visits to London Zoo. Ken Sims Elaine Brown site and exhibits more user-friendly. To date, the scheme has provided Malcolm Whitehead BSc (Hons) www.zsl.org Further improvements will continue Harry Wilkinson OBE, MA, FCA Michael Carrington opportunities for around 200,000 Robert Wingate MSc Mark Cavill in 2005. London children, aged between four PUBLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Peter Claringbold and 18, to visit London Zoo and EAZA Campaign † to 15 June 2004 Linda Clarke benefit from an educational * from 15 June 2004 Co-ordinator & Editor Dawn Kingsford For the second year running, ZSL Design Christina Fedrigo Claire Duthie experience that helps to foster an has assisted the EAZA (European Witherbys, on Chromomat Club understanding of the natural world. Printer Peter Foster Association of Zoos and Aquaria) DIRECTORS which is chlorine free, acid-free, Alice French campaign to help save tigers in the bio-degradable and manufactured from In 2004, 68,000 school children visited Director General Ralph Armond sustainable sources. Anthony Gale wild. ZSL thanks all the zoos that the Zoo through the GLA-funded Commercial Director Brian Oldman participated and helped to make Daniel Gamester programme. Nearly half of these Conservation Programmes Director Dr Glyn Davies We extend our thanks to ZSL staff and the campaign so successful. Finance Director Michael Bird other organisations for the use of Peter Gilham children took part in activities and Human Resources Director Ian Meyrick photographs in this publication. D D Hall lessons offered by London Zoo’s Director of Science, Institute of Zoology Professor Georgina Mace Robert Hill education team, with the rest Zoological Director Chris West Copyright © 2005 36 THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON (Registered Charity no. 208728)

Regent’s Park London NW1 4RY and at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 2LF www.zsl.org