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The Zoological Society of Regent’s Park London NW1 4RY

Whipsnade Wild Park Dunstable LU6 2LF

www.zsl.org

Annual Review 2003

front cover: Plans were approved to develop a major new ZSL MISSION: To achieve exhibit at London for opening in 2004. This picture was taken at Regent’s Park in the 1920s. and promote the ZSL this page: Plaque from the old worldwide conservation House displayed on the Lion Terraces. of and their habitats

ZSL PURSUES THIS MISSION BY: 1 KEEPING AND PRESENTING ANIMALS AT AND

WHIPSNADE WILD ANIMAL PARK IN ACCORDANCE WITH BEST PRACTICE; 2 GIVING PRIORITY TO

SPECIES THAT ARE THREATENED IN THE WILD; 3 INCREASING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF

ANIMALS AND THEIR WELFARE AND OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN THEIR CONSERVATION;

4 MAINTAINING AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PROGRAMME, PARTICULARLY

FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN AND FAMILIES; 5 UNDERTAKING FIELD CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES,

BOTH IN BRITAIN AND ABROAD; 6 DEVELOPING ITS ROLE AS A LEADING CENTRE FOR RESEARCH The Zoological Society of Directors 7 London AND AND ANIMAL WELFARE; FULFILLING ITS ROLE AS A LEARNED (Registered Charity no. 208728) Director General Dr Michael Dixon Review Editor Ian Meyrick (until 10 May 2004) Assistant Editor Diane Bratby Regent’s Park Commercial Director Brian Oldman We extend our thanks to staff, colleagues SOCIETY AND FORCE FOR ZOOLOGY AND ANIMAL CONSERVATION THROUGH PUBLICATIONS, London NW1 4RY Conservation Programmes Director and other organisations for the use of and at Dr Glyn Davies photographs in this Review. Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Finance Director Michael SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, LECTURES, THE AWARD OF PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AND Dunstable Resources Director Ian Meyrick Design newlevel.co.uk Bedfordshire LU6 2LF Director of Science, Professor Georgina Mace Print Perivan London. Printed on THE PROMOTION OF CONSERVATION POLICY. Chromomat Club which is chlorine free, Zoological Director Chris West acid-free, bio-degradable and Copyright © 2004 manufactured from sustainable sources.

further information All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in Director General’s Office 020 7449 6207 a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, Membership Department 020 7449 6261 photocopying, recording or otherwise Conservation Programmes 020 7449 6304 without prior permission of the publisher. 1 President’s foreword Fundraising Office 020 7449 6582 2 Worldwide Network Institute of Zoology 020 7449 6601 3 the zoological society of london Library 020 7449 6293 4 Review of the Year London Zoo 020 7722 3333 7 Awards & Honours Whipsnade Wild Animal Park 01582 872171 9 Conservation & Science 16 Education & Information www.zsl.org 21 The at Work 25 Fundraising & Grants 29 Library 30 Financial Information

president’s foreword

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This is my last Foreword to a ZSL Annual sub- of large predator – like The choices will not be easy, but I am Review, for in June I will be handing Asian , Sumatran and Siberian confident that exciting and rewarding over to Sir Patrick Bateson. So it is tigers and Amur – in captivity times lie ahead. I am grateful for the natural that, following tradition, I use the than in the wild. Several kinds of honour the Society has done me by opportunity to look back over the ten rhinoceros are in like danger and a electing me as your President for ten years since I took over from Field massive threat hangs over our nearest years, and I wish my successor every Marshal Sir John Chapple. relatives, the great apes. It is simply good fortune. unrealistic to believe that the pressures My predecessor had steered the Society on their wild habitats will easily be through a difficult period of ‘survival’. As halted or reversed. The world’s zoos and the finances were restored and balances National Parks are more and more moved firmly into the black, we realised assuming the role of latter-day Noah’s his second goal of ‘revival’. But have we Arks – and this is placing on Societies yet entered his third stage of ‘thrival’? like ours an immense responsibility not only to keep and breed endangered Sir Martin Holdgate There are encouraging signs. Thanks in species but to allow them lives of high President part to our successful establishment of quality in settings where their beauty the case for VAT exemption our bank and fascination can be appreciated by balances are healthier than they have all who come to visit them. been for many years. The leadership of our outstanding outgoing Director If we are to do this, our work in the General, Dr Michael Dixon, and our first- field and the laboratory must merge class team of Directors, has provided the seamlessly with the animal collections Officers and Council with the sound at Regent’s Park and Whipsnade, and management that is essential if the we may need to establish more captive Society’s policies are to be implemented. breeding facilities close to the wild, as We are beginning what is bound to be a we have done for some years in Saudi long-drawn-out process of rebuilding our Arabia. Our two zoos and the wonderful two zoos as places where wonderful new that will, I hope, soon be animals live and breed in spacious and taking shape at Silvertown Quays, must natural-looking settings. Our scientific be developed as genuinely world-class research and programmes of worldwide information centres and shop-windows conservation are stronger than ever. for animal conservation. We are bound to face financial constraints, for it would But? But we have a long way to go in be easy to spend hundreds of millions virtually every department of our work, in improving our facilities, so the not least because the need is increasing judgement of priority will continue to be faster than we and other bodies like us an exacting task for our Officers, Council can respond. and Directors. One thing we can all be clear on is that we cannot accept second- I write from the perspective of an rate facilities, even if they have historic ecologist and conservationist and it is and architectural merits – if, for example, therefore with pride that I see ZSL we are prevented from developing as we gaining strengths in these areas. I urge should at Regent’s Park because of our the Society, in the years ahead, to be inheritance of listed buildings, in my even more forceful in championing the view the implication is that our main urgent need for animal conservation developments will have to go elsewhere. around the world. It is a tragic fact that there are already more of some 1

worldwide network

ZSL staff worked on a large number of conservation and research projects throughout the world in 2003. Many other collaborations are in development.

Americas Europe Asia Australasia

North America Cameroon p9 Croatia p11 p22 Australia USA Chad p10 Spain China French Polynesia p15 Democratic Republic of Congo p9 United Kingdom South America Egypt p9 Indonesia p11 Ecuador p15 Equatorial Guinea Mongolia p10 Chile p11 Gabon p9 Nepal p12 Ghana p9 Philippines p13 & p21 p10 & p22 Russia/Russian Far East p12 Mauritania p10 Saudi Arabia p9 Morocco Thailand Mozambique p10 & p13 Turkey Namibia p10 & p11 Niger p10 Nigeria Seychelles South Africa p9 Uganda p23 Tanzania p11 Tunisia p10 & p23

2

the zoological society of london

Patron Her Majesty The Queen

Members of Council during 2003

President Patron Sir Martin Holdgate CB, MA, PhD, DSc(hc), CBiol, FIBiol Her Majesty The Queen Secretary Professor Paul H Harvey BA, MA, DPhil, DSc, FRS

Treasurer Paul Rutteman CBE, BSc (Econ), FCA

Sheila Anderson BSc, MIPR Richard Melville Ballerand MSM, BSc(Econ), BSc, DCouns, FRUSI* Professor Sir Patrick Bateson PhD, ScD, FRS (co-opted 7 October 2003) Professor John Beddington CMG, FRS* Professor David Bellamy OBE, BSc, PhD, CBiol, FIBiol, DSc(hc), DUniv(hc), Hon FLS* David Case† Stephen Cobb BA, DPhil† David Dixon BSc, PhD, FIBiol John Edwards MA, FLS Roger Ewbank OBE, MVSc, MRCVS, FIBiol Tony Fincham BSc, PhD* Steve Harrison† Ray Heaton CertEd, BEd, GIBiol, MSc, FRGS, FLS Professor Nigel Leader-Williams BVSc, PhD, MRCVS Professor David Macdonald MA, DPhil, FIBiol (Vice President) Timothy May BSc Azra Meadows MSc, PhD, CBiol, MIBiol, FLS Professor Paul Racey MA, PhD, DSc, FRSE, CBiol, FIBiol (Vice President)† Professor Jeremy Rayner MA, PhD† Martin Rowson MA (Vice President) Ken Sims Professor Roger Wheater OBE, CBiol, FIBiol, FRSA, FRSGS (Hon), FRZSS (Hon), FRSE† Malcolm Whitehead BSc* Harry Wilkinson OBE, MA, FCA Robert Wingate

† To 17 June 2003 * From 17 June 2003

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review of the year

The year began with a great deal of but through the rest of the summer activity on the zoo sites in preparation attendances were disappointing. London for the visitor season. Increased Zoo suffered like many attractions in the commercial success has meant that ZSL capital from lower tourist numbers can begin to afford to make significant following the war in Iraq and the fear of improvements to each zoo site over terrorism and SARS. In addition, the successive winters and, over time, these extraordinarily hot weeks in August changes will dramatically change London diminished visitor numbers at both zoos Zoo and Whipsnade. During the year at significantly and these lost visits were London Zoo there were substantial not made up through the rest of the alterations to Barclay Court and the area year. As a result, paid attendances of around the main lawn, with outmoded 815,000 and 445,000 were recorded at lemur and gibbon cages being removed London Zoo and Whipsnade respectively. and lawn areas extended along with the provision of a fine new children’s The zoos’ excellent conservation breeding playground. In the Middle Garden a new work continued with notable births of series of exhibits for otters, Malayan tapir and calves, and and small primates (tamarins and Francois’ langur and tamandua babies, marmosets) was constructed under the amongst a great many others. In theme of Happy Families.Together with addition, ZSL spearheaded the European the Woodland Walk developed last year, Association of Zoos and ’ Tiger the whole area has been vastly improved. campaign which raised over 285,000 The Grade II listed Mappin Café was across Europe for field conservation. comprehensively restored with generous financial assistance from The British The internationally acclaimed scientific Land Company plc and English Heritage, work of the Institute of Zoology (IoZ) to whom we are most grateful. Finally, in expanded significantly during the year December, the Southern was with many new grants won and large demolished to make room for a new important ones renewed. The UK Marine Komodo dragon exhibit, which will open Strandings Project funded by in 2004. the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was renewed At Whipsnade there was a great deal of and this group made the national press necessary expenditure on basic with their research finding that naval infrastructure for visitors and a sonar systems apparently interfere with refurbished Splash Zone for the sealions. dolphin and whale behaviour resulting Work began in the autumn on a major in them suffering mortality from gas improvement to our exhibit bubble disease (‘the bends’). At the for 2004. We also installed electronic British Association for the Advancement point of sale systems (EPOS) on both of Science meeting ZSL scientists and zoo sites to improve management of our conservation staff also made the retail business, and new ticketing headlines with important research in systems to speed up entry into the zoos. several African countries on the Notwithstanding teething troubles, these bushmeat trade. At the end of the year systems facilitated further improvement the IoZ invited an independent, external in ZSL’s financial performance whilst review group to undertake a detailed improving service to our visitors. review of our scientific research activities. The group’s report made

above: New souvenir tickets were introduced Until mid-June, visitor numbers were important recommendations which we for visitors. comfortably ahead of 2002 at both zoos, shall implement in 2004 and beyond. 4

Our Conservation Programmes advanced significantly during the year with the appointment of managers to further extend our programmes in Bushmeat and Forests, and Marine and Freshwater. In addition, our Jambi tiger project in Sumatra was expanded with further financial assistance from the oil-palm plantation owners. We also continued important work in protected areas managed from the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre in Saudi Arabia, despite heightened tension in the region. Political issues regrettably did, however, restrict our plans both to extend work on the Babai River and to establish veterinary clinics in the Royal Bardia National Park in Nepal, but we hope to continue with these projects in due course. Our work on native species conservation also increased with a new commitment to use our two zoo sites to promote and interpret such projects. At London Zoo the canal banks have been replanted and are being managed for UK native species conservation with additions such as bat and bird boxes already in widespread use. Work with English Nature and RSPB continued with national press coverage of releases of British field crickets, bred as previously at London Zoo, and of corncrakes, bred at Whipsnade and released at Nene Washes. We made further commitments in the year to continue work in French Polynesia with Partula snails.

ZSL’s consultancy on and involvement in the aquarium being planned for Silvertown Quays in London Docklands continued. The entire Silvertown Quays development plan was submitted for outline planning consent in December and a detailed application for the aquarium itself is due to be submitted in April 2004. The project is to be pursued by ZSL through a subsidiary charity which will shortly be established. The scale of this project is large and the aquarium will be competitive on the 5

Review of the year left: Artist’s impression of the proposed new aquarium at Silvertown Quays which will showcase good science and conservation work in marine and freshwater habitats, managed on a sustainable basis. Terry Farrell and Partners

middle: Dr Michael Dixon, Director General, will leave ZSL in early May to become Director of The Natural History . Ian Meyrick ZSL

right: Sir Martin Holdgate. Brian Aldrich

world stage and, as a result, a major refurbishment and capital investment in been developed that indicate an exciting new attraction for London. Most new projects. and secure future for ZSL. Mike leaves a important from ZSL’s point of view, it will strong management team behind him, be a showcase for good science and Lest we be carried away by improved and we wish him well in his important conservation work in marine and fresh- financial performance, we were reminded new post. water habitats, and demonstrate that by the pre-budget announcement at the aquariums of this scale can be managed House of Commons last November of on a sustainable basis. for the exhibits how tenuous some windfalls can be. are already being bred and we are The Chancellor of the Exchequer propagating coral colonies for installation announced his intention of withdrawing in the pre-opening phase. A significant the current extension of Gift Aid used fundraising campaign for the aquarium by charities that treat admission charges will commence in the spring of 2004. to their sites as day membership. In 2003 we realised over £850,000 from this scheme, but the Government seems firm in its intention to remove this benefit, probably from April 2005. We Sir Martin Holdgate will be retiring from will watch the follow-up to the 2004 the Presidency of the Society this Budget with interest and continue to summer. With consummate skill, Martin lobby with the many other charitable has steered the Society through a very organisations similarly affected by this difficult period. His total commitment to impending change. conservation biology, his vision, his political effectiveness and his ability to communicate on their own terms with For many years ZSL has fought a test anybody he meets have all been used to case, on behalf of and in co-operation great effect in the service of the Society. with the charitable zoos in the UK, Martin has transformed ZSL. He leaves concerning cultural exemption for VAT us thriving, and generations of purposes. In March 2002 the ultimate zoologists will be grateful for his appeal court – the European Court of achievements on their behalf. Justice in Luxembourg – ruled in favour of ZSL’s assertion that the UK Government should correctly interpret European legislation and grant zoos, run The year closed with our Director as charitable institutions and managed General, Dr Michael Dixon, announcing by unpaid trustees, the same status as his intention to resign his post to those in other EC countries. That is, they become Director of the Natural History should qualify for cultural exemption Museum. Mike will leave us in early Professor Paul H Harvey FRS and not be required to charge VAT on May, having been in post for a little over Secretary admissions to their sites. In March, we four years. During his time with ZSL, he ceased paying over the VAT component has conceived and led the implementation on admission charges and, at the end of of major changes in ZSL. Reorganisation the year, HM Customs & Excise finally from a divisional to a cross-Society agreed the settlement of sums paid over functional organisation has resulted in since the correct legislation should have more coherent policy-making and been implemented. As our accounts for collaborative working. Our international 2003 show, these changes have realised conservation work and reputation has retrospectively the larger surpluses grown considerably. The financial that we should have been making since position is stronger than for many years, 1990, and allow plans for significant and business and strategic plans have 6

awards & honours

ZSL recognises outstanding achievements in the field of zoological research and conservation through its annual presentation of awards and prizes. The awards for contributions to zoology for 2003 are:

The ZSL Frink Medal for The ZSL Silver Medal The Thomas Henry Huxley British Zoologists Award Category 1 sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust For significant and original contributions Awarded to a member of staff of the rank by professional zoologists to the of Curator (or the equivalent in non- For original work submitted as a doctoral development of zoology in its wider departments) or above, or an thesis. Awarded to: implications. Awarded to: Honorary Consultant, for long and Dr Graham Taylor, of the University of Professor Quentin Bone, for his use of distinguished service to the Society or Oxford, for his thesis Animal flight anatomical, ultrastructural, histochemical for outstanding achievement, to: dynamics: mechanics of stability and and experimental techniques to increase Peter Olney, for his work to promote control. our understanding of the functioning of good practice and responsible Letter of commendation goes to runner-up the central nervous system and for his management of wildlife in captivity, and Dr James Poulet, of the University of outstanding contribution to zoology. his broader work for the zoo community. Cambridge, for his thesis Sound processing in the singing cricket. Category 2 The Scientific Medal Awarded to a Fellow of the Society or any other person for contribution to the The Prince Philip Prize Awarded to zoologists 40 years of age understanding and appreciation of sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust and under, in recognition of scientific zoology, including such activities as merit to: public education in natural history and Open for competition to pupils, under Professor Mike Bruford, of the University wildlife conservation: 19 years of age, of schools or other of Cardiff, for his role in developing Professor Aubrey Manning, for his places of education in the United molecular genetic techniques to reveal original and outstandingly informative Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle the structure of natural populations, and television series that has helped a wider of Man, on the basis of an account of for applying his results to conservation general public to appreciate the origins practical work involving some aspects biology; and to: and functions of the British landscape. of animal biology. Awarded to: Dr Edward Charles Holmes, of the Stuart Goodfellow, of St Paul’s Catholic University of Oxford, for his analyses of College, Sunbury-on-Thames, for his gene sequence data and phylogenetic The BIOSIS Award for essay The effect of habitat fragmentation analysis to reveal the evolution and Communicating Zoology on the invertebrate population on golf population dynamic structure of disease- course heathland. causing viruses. Awarded to an individual for a communication of a zoological nature that has an outstanding impact on a Honorary Fellowship The ZSL Marsh Award for general audience: Conservation Biology Dr Olivia Judson, of Imperial College, Awarded to: sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust London, for her book Dr Tatiana’s Sex Professor Sir Brian Follett, of the Advice to All Creation. University of Oxford, in recognition of For contributions of fundamental science his research on circadian rhythms, his and its application to the conservation of outstanding contributions to promoting animal species and habitat. Awarded to: The Award zoology at every academic and political Professor Stuart Pimm, of Duke level in the UK, his work for the University, USA, for his contribution to For distinguished contribution to Zoological Society of London as a conservation biology. zoology, open to amateur zoologists or member of the Awards Committee, and to a professional zoologist in recognition as a contributor towards promoting and of contributions which are outside the refereeing candidates for the Scientific scope of his or her professional activities Medal since he retired from the and principal specialisation. Awarded to: Committee. Chris du Feu, for his contributions to . 7

this page: ZSL continues to focus on eco- tourism at the Mikongo Conservation Centre, situated in Lopé National Park in Gabon. Troy Inman

opposite page top: Aerial surveys of savannah in Virunga National Park revealed alarming declines in wildlife populations, notably and hippopotami. Jakob Bro-Jorgensen ZSL

opposite page bottom: Snapshots of species taken by hunters, such as this mandrill, form part of the research on bushmeat hunting. Noëlle Kümpel ZSL

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conservation & science

ZSL’s conservation and science is co-ordinated across the Society under six key programmes: Bushmeat and Forests, Deserts and Rangelands, Carnivores and People, Marine and Freshwater, UK Native Species, and Island Ecosystems. The work on these programmes may take place in the zoos, in the Institute of Zoology, or by Conservation Programmes staff in the UK or in the field. Here we report on our work during the year in each of the programmes.

Bushmeat & Forests Ghana, Cameroon and the UK, the European Parliament, the timber industry In the Democratic Republic of Congo and various NGOs. The conference built (DRC), we continue our support to the on the recent African Forest Law wildlife authorities in order to strengthen Enforcement and Governance (AFLEG) the management of protected areas Ministerial Declaration, and encouraged through a Darwin Initiative project. Staff discussions about optimal solutions for from the Virunga National Park went for sustainability of bushmeat hunting in a six-week ranger training course in African forests. South Africa and the participants now train their colleagues back in DRC. The In terms of inter-zoo links, we continued urgency of upgrading Park operations our support of the West African Primate was highlighted by aerial surveys in the Conservation Action, through a savannah sections of the Virunga Park, consortium of European zoos that fund which revealed alarming declines in primate conservation work in Ghana in wildlife populations, notably elephants partnership with their Wildlife Department. and hippopotami. To understand the causes of wild animal declines in the Research on bushmeat hunting has led area, ZSL has launched a research to the development of new analyses and programme on bushmeat hunting in an approach to assess the impacts on and around the Park. multi-species prey communities. Model predictions can also be used to aid the Also in DRC, as we hold a breeding interpretation of incomplete field reports, population of the threatened species such as snapshots of the species taken okapi at London Zoo, we have made a by hunters. This will improve our ability number of contributions to support the to assess the sustainability of multi- Okapi Reserve. species hunting systems using the limited information typically available. At the Mikongo Conservation Centre, situated in Lopé National Park in Gabon, we continue to focus on ecotourism. Deserts & Rangelands Our Conservation Volunteers search for and follow selected groups, to get This year saw the end of the them used to the presence of tourists. St Katherine’s Protectorate Project, after As gorilla viewing becomes easier and seven years. John Grainger has moved attracts more tourists, long-term on to new conservation work after his management of the Park will need to considerable achievements in Sinai, focus on generating funds to support where he brought together human conservation management and bring culture and as inter-linked benefits to Gabonese society. As tourism features for tourism development. The develops, we continuously monitor the St Katherine’s Visitor Centre was opened health status of the gorillas, which are this year, leaving a lasting legacy in susceptible to human diseases. terms of infrastructure, to complement the local management capacity that had Through our investment in the UK been built. Bushmeat Campaign, we continue to inform UK and EC government policy. In Saudi Arabia, work at the King Khalid We hosted a Campaign conference in Wildlife Research Centre continues, with December, which brought together new equipment in the Laboratory, ministers and representatives from which now analyses samples from all 9

Conservation & Science top: Monitoring animals after release is needed to ensure viable populations are maintained in the wild. Tim Wacher ZSL

bottom: A laboratory technologist loads DNA samples into an automated analysis machine at the KKWRC Conservation Genetics Laboratory. KKWRC ZSL

over the region. In the Ibex Reserve, Our project on chacma baboons in rangers continue to monitor the Namibia has led to the development of a mountain gazelle and ibex populations, new model to explain how animals co- focusing management to address the ordinate their activities to make sure that increasing threats from hunting, all individuals derive benefits from livestock and wood-cutting. foraging in a group. Mathematical models developed with our University of As part of a long-term study of Cambridge collaborators (recently reproductive characteristics in the Mhorr published in the journal Nature) show gazelle we have investigated the that in pairs of animals, one animal hypothesis that male gazelles can not should make all the decisions, but this only recognise the current reproductive ‘leader’ doesn’t need any special status of females but, using behavioural properties (such as being dominant or and olfactory cues, can also obtain larger). In fact, the leader is quite often information about the likely quality of simply the hungrier member of the pair. ovulation and probability of conception. Furthermore, the best behaviour for an Analysis of faecal oestrogen/progesterone animal can be summarised as a rule-of- ratios during a series of reproductive thumb: ‘if I am hungry, I should forage; if cycles in relation to the behaviour of a I’m not, then I should copy my colleague.’ vasectomised male lent support to this hypothesis and also demonstrated that the In addition to these large projects, we male could anticipate the onset of oestrus have conducted rapid surveys in the approximately three days in advance. Sahel, working with a consortium of interested parties to look for , Our other long-standing rangelands scimitar-horned oryx and gazelles in key project, the Pan-African project for the areas of Chad and Niger. Populations of Control of Epizootics (PACE) based in these striking animals have suffered Nairobi, has continued with severely from the impacts of war, and investigations of rinderpest reports in are vulnerable to hunting by heavily cattle of northern Kenya and of armed ’sportsmen’; very few were found. Mauritania, as well as numerous training More encouraging have been the workshops. Monitoring and preventative positive reports of scimitar-horned oryx work have, however, been interrupted by reintroductions in Tunisia, where ZSL delays in agreeing an extension to the worked with and others to PACE programme. monitor the reintroduced population. The abundance of large mammals in the Two important Darwin Initiative projects Cabo Delgado project area in northern were awarded to ZSL this year. One Mozambique was also good news. continues our long-standing work with black rhinos in Kenya, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service and IUCN, by training wildlife rangers in rhino monitoring and patrol techniques. The second project extends our area of rangeland conservation action to Mongolia, where field courses and complementary support activities are being used to build up a new cadre of ecologists through the University of Mongolia. 10

top: Telemetry fixes from the tiger Slamet’s radio-collar so far indicate a minimum home range size of 50 km2, though more time is needed to establish the full extent of his movements. Dawn Scott

middle: Webpage from www.habari.co.tz/carnivores

bottom: Most of the remaining cheetahs live outside protected areas. Sarah Durant ZSL, Tanzania Carnivore Program

Carnivores & People

In Jambi, Sumatra, our work on tigers living in agricultural landscapes continues to develop. Working in partnership with oil-palm company PT Asiatic Persada, we have recruited skilled and dedicated Indonesian staff and, with funding from CDC Capital Partners, we are constructing a purpose- built office and accommodation building.

With the help of grants from 21st Century Tiger and the Tufton Charitable Trust, we launched the first ever radiotelemetry study of Sumatran tigers, aiming to find out how the tigers are using these habitats. In May we captured and radio-collared a magnificent male tiger, Slamet, who is now being regularly tracked. Camera-trap studies, with support from the Save the Tiger Fund, tell us that there are at least nine additional tigers in the areas so far surveyed. posters to influence tourist behaviour, in In Tanzania, our new Carnivore order to reduce harassment of cheetahs Programme, run jointly by ZSL and the in the Serengeti National Park. Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and funded by the Darwin In Chile, genetic research funded by the Initiative, is now well under way with the Darwin Initiative has shown that the carnivore centre built and running and critically endangered Darwin’s fox, which two new project scientists recruited. survives in only two small populations Tourists and local people are encouraged totalling about 500 animals, is a full to contribute information on carnivore species in its own right. The foxes are in sightings to the database through contact with domestic dogs whose health programme materials such as the first status is extremely poor, and who may edition of the Carnivore Bites newsletter, well be carrying canine distemper. We Cheetah and Wild Dog Watch leaflets have radio-collared both foxes and dogs and Carnivore Atlas sheets, all of which to study their interactions and are carrying have been widely distributed out a programme of disease testing. (www.habari.co.tz/carnivores). Wildlife health is also a focus of our jackal study in Namibia, where canine distemper Our long-running Cheetah Conservation has contributed to high mortality; and Programme in Tanzania has also been in Croatia we are helping to establish spearheading new census techniques for sound population estimates for bears cheetahs, to provide hard evidence of and wolves using faecal DNA analysis. the decline in cheetah numbers and so persuade governments to strengthen In 2003, working with Anglo-Russian conservation action. The project is also charity AMUR, we completed a working through the use of leaflets and Foreign Office funded study of the 11

Conservation & Science top: Researchers believe that sonar exposure may be responsible for the stranding of cetaceans, like this sperm whale. Matthew Perkins ZSL

bottom: Checking diversity of the fish population in the Babai River Valley, Nepal. ZSL

socio-economic factors associated with conservation in the Russian Far East. This information will feed into conservation strategies for both Amur leopards and Amur tigers.

Closer to home, ZSL is co-ordinating the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ current conservation campaign, which is raising funds for tiger conservation. A hundred and twenty-three participating zoos in more than 20 European countries had raised over £190,000 by the end of the year; the campaign is so popular that it has been extended for a second year in Europe, and was adopted by the Australasian Zoo Association. We channel the money to nine wild tiger projects through 21st Century Tiger (a fundraising partnership between ZSL and Global Tiger Patrol).

We are working with the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group to develop an online Canaria) into a mass stranding of Cat Conservation Projects Database. This beaked whales in the Canary Islands in is now capable of storing data on the September 2002. Further research is funding, activities and achievements of needed to confirm the actual mechanism conservation projects targeted at any of these novel findings in both studies, species of wild cat. It will be made but the coincidence of the Canaries publicly available as soon as tiger data beaked whale mass stranding with a entries for 2003 are complete, and will naval exercise using mid-frequency provide a valuable tool for conservation active sonar suggests that sonar practitioners and funders. exposure may have had a role.

In March, we undertook our second Marine & Freshwater expedition to the Babai River Valley, Nepal. Situated in the Royal Bardia Our DEFRA-funded research on disease National Park, the Babai River is a rare threats to turtles and marine mammals warm water system. The Babai fish gave rise to some ground breaking populations were shown to be diverse findings: marine mammals can get ‘the with 49 species recorded, including the bends’. In a high profile paper in Nature, much prized mahseer. Following we reported the first evidence of gas implementation of our earlier bubbles and associated tissue trauma in recommendations for the management six dolphins, a porpoise and a beaked of the fish pass, fish movements through whale from UK waters. The paper also the dam were improved. The current reported the pathological findings threats to the fish were the increasing following an investigation conducted by levels of poaching, frequently using the University of Las Palmas (Gran pesticide poisoning, which is also a 12

top: A Cabo Delgado Biodiversity and Tourism Project to monitor and protect turtle nests on Rongui and Vamizi Islands in Mozambique has resulted in thousands of juvenile turtles hatching and returning to the sea. CDBTP

middle: Large fringing reefs were healthy and productive with 125 coral species and reef populations were extremely diverse. CDBTP

bottom: The Project Islands lie across a shallow, deltaic system of mudflats and mangroves from the mainland. Eastwards, the majority of the islands are bounded by bathymetric intrusions providing proximity to deep water of the Mozambique Channel. Adaptation of an Admiralty Map by ZSL public health concern. However, due to and has been active in trying to help the political insecurity in the region the government in fighting illegal fishing project has had to be put on hold. and to enforce fishery laws. Responding to the fishers’ concerns, the Governor In Mozambique, the Cabo Delgado of Bohol agreed to help deputise them Biodiversity and Tourism Project (CDBTP) as fish wardens and consequently join has carried out scientific surveys of the Coastal Law Enforcement Council coastal and marine habitats around the operations in their respective areas. In islands of Vamizi, Rongui and Macaloe, July, Project hosted a national which have confirmed their exceptional workshop and brought together twenty- conservation value. Large fringing reefs six institutions to develop a minimum were found to be healthy and productive set of measures and indicators to assess with over 125 coral species, and reef the environmental impact of sustainable fish populations were extremely diverse livelihood approaches. The workshop (354 reef species identified to date, of resulted in the first national network of which 21% have never been recorded in livelihood practitioners in the Philippines. Mozambique before). By working with the resident communities, local fishers Successful reproduction is essential for were selected by community leaders to the production of viable offspring and be employed and trained as turtle propagation of the species; good quality monitors. This new programme has been gametes (sperm and eggs) are therefore highly successful, resulting in the vital. In the majority of fish species, protection of over 160 nests of green where external fertilisation is the norm, and hawksbill turtles to date. the gametes are released into the external environment and are therefore The Community Fund supported vulnerable to the detrimental effects conservation work of Project Seahorse of environmental pollutants, fluctuations continues in the Philippines. A further in water temperature and alterations in three community-based Marine Protected salinity. We have been conducting Areas (MPA) are being established, and research on how fish sperm quality baseline surveys of two were completed (motility and morphology) is affected by to establish site boundaries, map heavy metals and salinity, and more substrate type, and evaluate the health recently we have been investigating the of the fish and coral populations. The effects of water-borne hormonally-active bi-annual monitoring of the six existing compounds on sperm production and MPAs continued. As part of the fertility in freshwater fish. aquaculture initiative, a pilot study was undertaken to investigate seahorse ranching to afford protection for the UK Native Species pregnant male prior to giving birth and thereby assist the recruitment Our ongoing support for breeding of juveniles into the diminishing species in the English Nature Species populations. The trials determined that Recovery Programme continued: field ranching in this manner stressed the sea- crickets, dormice, Barberry carpet moths, horses, making them more vulnerable to and corncrakes were all reared and diseases, and the system was abandoned. released. Moreover, ZSL vets carried out health screening of , mammals and The fishers’ alliance KAMADA, invertebrates from many institutions, established and supported by Project prior to reintroductions. Seahorse, continues to grow in status 13

Conservation & Science this page: Young queen of the Great Yellow Bumble Bee (Bombus distinguendus), a scarce bumble bee species now almost entirely confined in the UK to Scottish islands, which is being studied by IoZ scientists in collaboration with Cambridge University and RSPB. Andrew Bourke ZSL

Our high levels of success in rearing and releasing 2,210 field crickets (into three sites) continued, but it was particularly satisfying this year to have benefited from the warm weather to produce over 3,000 Barberry carpet moth larvae – by far our largest over-wintering stock. Even more satisfying, given the hard lessons learned in 2002, was the successful rearing of over 60 concrake chicks from breeding birds at Whipsnade, of which 50 were released into the Nene Washes. We now wait to see if they find their way back after migrating to Southern Africa for the winter. Ospreys have done it, let’s hope the corncrakes will too!

Work continues at our own zoos to improve habitats for native species. The Woodland Walk at London Zoo now offers a picturesque path to a picnic area, with labelled trees, bird and bat boxes. In the canal-side shrubbery, warblers have been recorded during monthly bird surveys, and confirmed gather pollen and nectar at a site, or do which areas are important for house many colonies share resources there? sparrows within London Zoo – one of the ZSL scientists devised and implemented few sites where they are to be found in a genetic technique for answering this Regent’s Park. The recovery of the question. We showed that, for two Vallence End site at Whipsnade common bumble bee species, the buff- continues to progress well. Vegetative tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris) surveys are carried out each year by the and the common carder bee Ecologist from the Bedfordshire County (B. pascuorum), the number of colonies Council, and animal species are recorded whose workers visit foraging sites by Whipsnade staff. This area is adjacent (cemeteries, gardens, parks and to the Site of Special Scientific Interest wasteground in London) is high on the chalk grasslands at Whipsnade, (between 65 and 100 colonies per hectare). an area which is actively managed with This implies that urban areas could be input from English Nature. very valuable for bumble bee conservation. In addition, since bumble Several bumble bee species in the UK bees appear to forage over wide areas, have undergone steep declines in recent conservation efforts in any environment decades. However, many aspects of the should involve the provision of a network basic biology of these important of foraging sites. We are now trying to pollinators, which could be of use in apply the technique and these conclusions their conservation, remain poorly known. to studies of scarce bumble bees in the UK. One mysterious aspect of bumble bee biology concerns the number of colonies In collaboration with the Wildfowl and that utilise a given area for foraging. Do Wetlands Trust, we have been studying one or a few colonies send workers to the behaviour of foraging geese as their 14

top: Over 2000 field crickets were released at three separate sites in West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. Dave Clarke ZSL

middle: Over 60 corncrake chicks were successfully reared at Whipsnade of which 50 were released into the Nene Washes. ZSL

bottom: Partula suturalis. One of 56 endemic tree snail species made extinct on the Society Islands. ZSL

food resource becomes depleted. Our Green Teams at ZSL latest work based on photographic sequences of barnacle goose flocks over Terms of Reference were agreed for time, combined with computer-intensive Green Teams at both Whipsnade and analysis shows that the most successful Regent’s Park, which meet monthly, and foragers in a flock are largely unaffected an internal newsletter (electronically by food depletion, while the least circulated!) now keeps staff apprised successful foragers experience foraging of issues and planned action. A ZSL conditions that are increasingly environment policy is being formulated, unfavourable in larger or longer and the Environmental Audit of established flocks. Whipsnade carried out by Cranfield University is being reviewed. Specific action has been taken to reduce energy Island Ecosystems and water use, which has already resulted in a saving of £40,000 at the A contract has now been signed with the Regent’s Park site this year. French Polynesian government to produce a long-term strategy and action plan for conservation of endemic snails. scientific report This is a welcome commitment for conservation of this invertebrate group, Full details of research work in the and allows ZSL to continue monitoring Institute of Zoology is published the status of Partula snails, and the annually in Science for Conservation, invasive predatory snail that has already the annual scientific report, which is eliminated many endemic species. available on request. Staff in B.U.G.S! (formerly Web of Life) also contributed funds to this field work through their Friendly Spider Programme fund-raising.

Worldwide, endemic island fauna are at increasing risk from introduced diseases. Funded by a Darwin Initiative grant, ZSL is establishing a wildlife pathology laboratory in the Galápagos to help identify and manage disease threats to the endemic biodiversity of the islands, in collaboration with the Galápagos National Park, and University of Guayaquil, Ecuador. In addition to building the laboratory, we will train Ecuadorean veterinarians, scientists and National Park staff in wildlife pathology and disease surveillance techniques. The facility and staff will contribute to a disease-monitoring programme that will act as an early warning system, giving Ecuadorean researchers the long-term capacity to identify and respond to wildlife disease in the archipelago. 15

education & information

Education is central to ZSL’s mission and covers every area of our activity. Through the two zoos we reach around 1.3 million visitors each year, providing them with information on wildlife, habitats and conservation. Through our programme for schools and through a variety of public presentations, touch tables, and interactive interpretation we stimulate interest in the natural world. ZSL’s work is also brought to an international audience through our scientific lectures, talks, courses and publications.

ZSL education favourably on the quality and delivery of our educational programme. This year saw the amalgamation of the Whipsnade and London education teams In November, we held our annual into a single ZSL-wide Education Careers with Animals Day for children in Department. The informal collaboration Year 10 and an A-level symposium at of the last few years evolved into the which ZSL staff gave presentations on a start of a formal planning process to variety of aspects of conservation. develop a ZSL-wide strategy for educational Education Officers also played key roles programmes and interpretation. An in the Christmas promotion, playing analysis of educational visits by schools characters from the Nativity; over 4,700 and colleges on both sites enabled us to children attended this event which is plan for expansion, particularly at very popular with schools. Whipsnade, and to prepare for the new aquarium at Silvertown Quays. Visitor education & interpretation Schools & Colleges The major interpretative projects this Attendances by schools at London Zoo year revolved around the development and Whipsnade fell slightly this year. of new exhibits. New enclosures for However, we still exceeded 30,000 otters, meerkats and marmosets at educational visits to Whipsnade, a level London Zoo presented an excellent achieved for the first time only last year. opportunity to develop interpretation Schools visits at London were 74,000. around the theme of family life and how these very social animals hunt for food In addition to the Outreach programme in three very differing habitats – river, at Whipsnade, which continues to be desert and . Interactive devices popular, we supplemented the tours in enable visitors to feel for prey like an the Park with new activities for schools. Oriental short-clawed otter, understand Over 2,500 children participated. the physical adaptations of an otter to water and match the enlarged incisors of New activities introduced to the pygmy marmosets to their favourite programme at London include one with food – gums and resins. a literacy focus and two aimed at the Citizenship curriculum for primary children. A second major project at London was New A-level talks use the wealth of case the development of the canal banks for studies provided by ZSL’s field work to native species. This corridor of trees provide current examples of conservation. along the Regent’s Canal provides ideal habitat for local species of bat (common The Greater London Authority (GLA) and soprano pipistrelles and continues to fund free school visits for Daubenton’s bat), all three part of the London children and an additional six Camden Biodiversity Action Plan of staff at Regent’s Park. The provision of a which ZSL is a partner. Native bluebells, permanent lunchroom (in the old Parrot foxgloves, primroses and honeysuckle House) and staff to welcome and were planted and bramble and nettle orientate groups on arrival is greatly beds encouraged as habitats and food appreciated by schools; this is apparent plants for a variety of invertebrates. A from the feedback we receive from Woodland Walk was created along the teachers who also comment very south bank, providing a pleasant path for 16

top: Interpretation board at the new Otter enclosure.

middle: The canal banks were developed and a Woodland Walk created which leads visitors past a series of information panels on native species. Claire Robinson ZSL

bottom: Display of recent ZSL stories designed for regular updates as projects unfold. Claire Robinson ZSL

visitors and the location for a series of educational role of the zoos by running information panels on native species. touch tables, presenting live animals such as cockroaches, snails, ferrets and Other interpretation included a display of and providing commentaries and recent stories illustrating the work of tours for visitors. Some 30 volunteers ZSL’s scientists, projects in the field and also assist the keeping staff at London in breeding successes. This board is the preparation of food and cleaning designed to be updated regularly as enclosures while an additional nine help projects unfold. During the summer, an in the Library and in offices. Whipsnade artist re-created some bowerbird nests volunteers continued their fundraising that were displayed naturally amongst efforts on behalf of ZSL and this year plants around the Zoo. started raising funds for a new tiger den at the Park. At both London and Whipsnade, the education team ran activities for visitors throughout the summer to raise Representing ZSL awareness of ZSL’s field work under the banner 21st Century Tiger. Interpretation Both Whipsnade and London Zoo panels and an activity in which visitors continue to be represented on the spun a wheel to discover the varying Education Committee of the Federation fates of tigers in Sumatra were part of of Zoos, with the Head of Education the activities at Regent’s Park, while holding the position of vice-chair of the Whipsnade provided crafts and face- Committee. The Education team attended painting and a tiger talk. Over £7,000 was the British and Irish Zoo Educators raised in total. Conference in November and presented papers on the successful management Both the Whipsnade and London of volunteers and health and safety. guidebooks were updated; more emphasis was given to highlighting ZSL’s wide-ranging conservation work. Qualifications & training

This year saw the launch of a new, Visitor Information nation-wide course for training zoo keepers, the Advanced National At Regent’s Park, all directional signs Certificate in the Management of Zoo were refurbished and the new maps Animals. It was developed by the were re-orientated north-south and Federation of Zoos Education Committee simplified, making them easier for visitors in conjunction with Sparsholt College, to find their way round the site. We took , which actually runs the this opportunity to re-brand all signage course. It covers the most up-to-date around the Zoo with the ZSL logo. aspects of animal husbandry and is more demanding than the previous course. ZSL was appointed the Regional Volunteers Co-ordinator for East Anglia and the South East and provides tutoring for all Much work was done to bring into line the zoos in this region. A new feature all the procedures and policies relating is a week-long residential programme to the many volunteers who give their at Sparsholt at which keepers receive time so freely to ZSL. The majority of our training in health and safety, an 250 volunteers help extend the introduction to software used in 17

Education & Information

breeding programmes and other Courses, we have re-developed the PhD awards practical skills. Seventeen keepers from Wellcome Building of the Institute of ZSL are currently enrolled. Zoology, creating a new computer room Three PhD students were awarded their with ten computer workstations and a degrees in 2003: Dr Paul Jepson for his We built on the enormous success of our new reference library facility. Lectures work on the Pathology and toxicology of Masters Course in Wild Animal Health now take place in London Zoo's stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena (jointly run with the Royal Veterinary Education Building. phocoena) in UK waters; Dr Angus College) by commencing a non-veterinary Carpenter for his thesis entitled The stream (MSc in Wild Animal Biology), The Master of Science Course in Wild population dynamics and economics of prompted by the increasing number of Animal Health continues to attract harvesting in Malagasy chameleons; and enquiries from non-veterinarians for interest and to be well attended as it Dr Tom Maddox for research on The tuition in this field. The distinctive feature enters its tenth year. The participants ecology of cheetahs and other large of this new course is that the veterinary spend a great deal of time and energy carnivores in a pastoralist-dominated skills element has been replaced with on the research project, in many cases buffer zone. training in research methodologies producing results of real value to wildlife relevant to the study of wildlife. conservation and welfare. However, the busy careers of graduates frequently In place of the clinical sessions on the hinder progress in publication from original course, Wild Animal Biology thesis to preparing a journal paper. In an students are attending courses designed effort to improve on this situation, the to develop generic research skills and students on the 2002/03 course were carry out a literature-based project in required to submit their research project addition to their final research project in a form suitable for publication. This over the summer months. Wild Animal change has produced instant dividends, Biology students are, nevertheless, and two projects have already been benefiting from the high quality teaching submitted: Rea Tschopp's important provided by sharing many of their study on the epidemiology of infectious classes with their Wild Animal Health keratoconjunctivitis in chamois, MSc colleagues. This includes principles Rupicapra rupicapra, and ibex, Capra of biological science, veterinary ibex, in Switzerland, and Kaori Flores interventions in wildlife (including social, Miyamoto's interesting work on the welfare, ethical and legal aspects), digestive strategy of lowland , management of captive and free-living Bubalus depressicornis, which has wild animals, epidemiology, diagnosis, significant implications for the way in treatment and control of wildlife disease, which this species is fed in captivity. as well as wildlife research methodology. Three other projects will soon be submitted, increasing the output of this The course will be relevant to those popular course. wishing to follow careers in wildlife management, wildlife rehabilitation centres, wildlife-related research and zoo management, as well as those proceeding to study for a PhD. We hope that this course will fulfil a need for wild animal training for non-veterinarians with a strong interest in wild animal- related research.

To meet the requirements of a larger number of students from two Masters 18

top: The 2003 Stamford Raffles Lecture was given by Professor Steven Sanderson. Brian Aldrich

bottom: A range of ZSL publications.

Meetings & Publications continues to receive increasing numbers of high-quality papers from top An important part of ZSL’s work is researchers. The Journal promotes facilitating the communication of hypothesis-driven studies that are of information between researchers, interest to all readers of zoology, and professional zoologists and the general provides comprehensive coverage of the public. We achieve this through our latest research and developments. varied programme of meetings and the publication of scientific books and journals. ZSL’s quarterly journal, Animal Conservation, provides a forum for rapid Our 2003 Stamford Raffles Lecture, publication of rigorous empirical or The contemporary experience of wild theoretical studies relating to species nature and its implications for and population biology. The journal conservation, was given by Professor brings together innovative research and Steven Sanderson, President and Chief ideas from evolutionary biology and Executive Officer of the Wildlife ecology that contribute to the scientific Conservation Society, New York. This basis of conservation biology. event was generously sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore The Conservation Biology book series, Airlines, and we are most grateful for published in association with Cambridge their continuing support. University Press, includes titles which reflect our research interests and provide Scientific Meetings are held monthly an important contribution to a particular through the academic year and in 2003 field. We published the eighth book we were delighted to announce in the series, Reproductive Science and sponsorship by the Mitsubishi Integrated Conservation, edited by Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa. William Holt, Amanda Pickard, John The partnership was launched with Rodger and David Wildt. Professor David Macdonald’s lecture The lion king: is his throne secure? Other Volume 38 of the International Zoo meetings held covered a diverse range Yearbook was published. The special of subjects, such as Marine predators section, Zoo Challenges: Past, Present and the wow factor: new technology, and Future, includes 15 articles that new insights; Conservation and biology address the historical trends and future of bumble bees and National Parks in aims of zoos in relation to animal the sea. management and conservation. Articles in Section 2, The Developing Zoo World, In February ZSL hosted a two-day range from the artificial insemination of international symposium Phylogeny and koalas to food consumption, growth and conservation, organised by Andy Purvis, food passage times in Pacific walrus. The John Gittleman and Thomas Brooks. reference section contains a list of Zoos With speakers from five continents and and Aquariums of the World, a list of case studies from a wide range of taxa national and regional zoo associations and regions, this was the first meeting and a register of international studbooks. to bring together the different conservation uses of phylogenies.

The , ZSL’s pre-eminent international journal dedicated to academic zoology, 19

this page: Otters in their new pool at London Zoo. Tony Blurton

opposite page top: The Malayan tapir pregnancy was confirmed by ultra sound. ZSL

opposite page middle top: Southern tamandua bred successfully for the first timedfsd at London Zoo. Frank Wheeler ZSL

opposite page middle bottom: The first Francois’ langur monkey born at London Zoo. Brian Aldrich

opposite page bottom: staff identified a new species of cobra, Naja nubiae, within the London Zoo collection. ZSL

20

the zoos at work

This was an extremely productive year for the zoos in all facets of our work, including breeding successes, the acquisition of new species, staffing issues and physical developments at both London and Whipsnade as well as the development of improved business practice.

Animals the colonies of these important species. Another first time breeding for ZSL came The year produced extraordinary with the rearing of a Madagascan teal. breeding results throughout the collection, many of these being the The bird focus at Whipsnade this year culmination of several years of planning was obviously the corncrakes (see and careful husbandry. The Malayan tapir picture on p15). However, there were a pregnancy was diagnosed from an ultra- number of other successes, particularly sound examination but, as no matings with waterfowl, the superb starlings and had been observed, predicting the birth Manchurian cranes. At London Zoo, was not easy. Despite this being her first encouraging signs for the future in the calf the female proved to be an Bird Department were seen in a number exemplary mother. Two of the three of new species to breed. bearded pig females reared a total of five offspring as a first breeding in the The ‘expert eye’ of the Reptile staff UK of this species. The acquisition of a received due recognition with the pair of southern tamandua led to identification of a new species of cobra, another ZSL first breeding and saw an Naja nubiae. This event received unusual anteater double with the birth of considerable interest, enhanced by the the fourth giant anteater. Other successful breeding of this species. ‘firsts’ included the Lake Alaotran lemur, Another species of reptile only red-bellied lemur and Francois’ langur. maintained at London Zoo is the ZSL’s contribution to an increasingly Egyptian gecko and these also bred important group of animals, the successfully this year. antelope, was provided with births for okapi, Nile lechwe, and gemsbok. Breeding of the Fregate Island beetle Other significant births included six continued with the population reaching species of callitrichids, red pandas, the fifth generation. Other significant pottos, tree shrews, common hippo and breeding of invertebrates was seen in Grevy’s . the field cricket and Barberry carpet moth colonies. Male gorillas were exchanged with and female black rhinos were New species for the collection included transferred to produce a new pairing at three pairs of Panay cloud rats as part of Whipsnade, both moves being part of our support for the Philippines the respective European Endangered programme, a trio of grey kangaroos in Species Programmes (EEPs). the Children’s Zoo, white-winged ducks and Madagascan rainbow frogs, Following on from the successful hand- elongate tortoises and gila monsters in rearing of black-necked aracari last year, the Reptile House. two chicks were parent-reared this year. This is believed to be a first in the UK and a fine example of evolving husbandry practices within the collection. Also in the Bird House, a single clutch of three toco toucans were all parent-reared. Successful rearing of two Abdim’s storks and were the first for some years and are encouraging signs for the viability of 21

Zoos at work top: Whipsnade continued its success in breeding a further three Grevy’s zebra foals a short time apart. ZSL

middle: Barclay enjoying the refurbished Splash Zone at Whipsnade. ZSL

bottom: Preparations in hand for the new Komodo dragon exhibit at London Zoo.

Organisation & awards Buildings & exhibits

New Curators of Herpetology and The two major developments undertaken Mammals were appointed to the at Whipsnade and London were both curatorial team during the year. In well received by animals and visitors collaboration with other departments, a alike. The extension and modification to number of species groups have either the sealion pool at Whipsnade greatly developed or been initiated to enhance improves the visitor experience during the management of the animal the demonstrations, as well as enabling collection. A greater focus has been put the sealions to have access to the on the role of research projects that outside pool at times when these are not might assist the husbandry of species. taking place. It also addressed some Considerable overlap will be seen with health and safety issues. this and groups such as the Nutritional Group, the Environmental Enrichment At London Zoo, the new otter enclosure Group and the Training Group. was celebrated by a second litter within the year bringing the group to a total The management of the Animal of 12. The new areas for the meerkats, Department in London Zoo underwent a marmosets and tamarins were significant restructure when the two bird significant improvements to their sections were amalgamated into one and existing facilities. The overall the five mammal sections into two. development completely transformed this tired area of the zoo. ZSL received two awards from the Federation of Zoos: a meritorious award The ongoing challenge of finding an in recognition of Significant Advances in appropriate use for a few of the ageing Sustained Breeding, for the breeding animal facilities on both sites continued. of Przewalski’s wild horse; and a Significant improvements to the life commendation in Successful support systems in the Aquarium and Conservation Projects for assisting the changes to the management of a conservation of black rhino in Kenya, number of the off-show areas in the with special reference to the Ngulia Reptile House were initiated. At Rhino Sanctuary Site Support Link Project. Whipsnade, the removal of the last of the Congo buffalo herd allowed their Staff have been extremely active through area, originally built for Indian rhinos, the year with a wide range of activities to be demolished and the site cleared. including presenting papers at a number It will now be left ‘fallow’. of zoo conferences, providing support and expertise in Zoo, the By the end of the year work on the new production of studbooks and husbandry chimpanzee enclosure at Whipsnade was guidelines, for example Nile lechwe and well underway and preparations had owls respectively, co-ordinating started for the Komodo dragon facility at European Breeding Programmes, London Zoo. To make way for this, the chairing Taxon Advisory Groups and Southern Aviary was emptied and working for and supporting ZSL’s demolished, thus eliminating a major Conservation Programmes projects. maintenance issue. Both new developments will open in 2004.

Considerable improvements have been made to the London Zoo site in order to 22

this page: ZSL veterinary staff co-ordinated a primate healthcare workshop in Uganda. Wayne Boardman ZSL

meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). These include induction loops in public display areas and meeting rooms, automatic doors to animal houses, additional ramps and wide turnstiles at the exits. The needs of visitors with disabilities are, of course, included in the planning and design of all new developments.

Staff worked hard throughout the year to continue the programme of improvements to the animal facilities, the transformation of one row of inside of the Bird House being an excellent example of what can be achieved with these small projects.

Veterinary work

The Veterinary Department continued to be very busy. Changes to a variety of core activities are gradually being implemented and operating procedures for all facets of our work are being developed. Specific conservation projects continue to benefit from veterinary department Quarantine procedures were reviewed; assistance and include work with English all new arrivals now undergo a more Nature, RSPB and the UK Marine thorough health review before joining Mammals Strandings Project. Pre-release the collection. By doing this we gain checks were performed on field crickets, important information, minimise the dormice and corncrakes. possibility of disease being introduced and ensure the animals are healthy. Internationally, staff were involved in organising and convening a primate Pathology and clinical records are now health care workshop in Entebbe, being computerised using a database Uganda, for the Pan African Sanctuaries developed in New Zealand and Alliance, investigating disease and MedARKS, which links into ARKS, the anaesthetic development in black-backed zoo-wide record keeping database. Both jackal Canis mesomelas (in combination these databases will lead to increased with Institute of Zoology staff) and – in efficiency in managing data and collaboration with Marwell Zoo – complement the new more efficient translocating and assessing the health filing system. Veterinary staff were also status of introduced scimitar-horned oryx involved in developing a ZSL diet in Tunisia. manual and initiating a new welfare assessment process for all animals in Clinically, an outbreak of avian malaria the collection. Both of these will take in black-footed penguins presented some time to finalise. many problems; treatment and prophylactic measures were, however, 23

Zoos at work this page left: Detail of the restored Mappin Café.

this page right: New membership cards were introduced.

opposite page top: The 2003-4 series of Scientific Meetings was launched by a lecture with a reception afterwards in B.U.G.S! (formerly Web of Life).

opposite page bottom: A reception was held by The British Land Company plc to mark the completion of restoration works on the Mappin Café. Brian Aldrich

range of benefits including the opportunity for unlimited admission to both Whipsnade and London Zoo.

Additional income streams are also being sought. The external hire of ZSL meeting rooms has been expanded and sales revenue has greatly increased. More aggressive marketing of both sites as commercial filming venues has also been successful in generating higher levels of income.

generally successful. Malaria had been Major changes were made to day visitor seen in other collections in the UK. catering. At Whipsnade, a small café was Raika, the female Sumatran tiger, opened by the admission gates, a underwent reproductive assessments vending facility was installed by the and treatments to induce oestrous penguin pool and improvements made thanks to the Institute of Zoo and Wildlife to the Lookout Café. These changes led Research in Berlin. to significantly improved income.

At London Zoo, the day visitor catering Business contract was put out to competitive tender and awarded to Compass plc who Significant investment was made in currently manage banqueting on the site. business systems at both zoos. A The new arrangements took effect at the ticketing system was installed, going end of the year and a major ‘live’ in the spring. This allows for refurbishment of the main Oasis Café improved customer service at the gates was planned for opening in early 2004. and an increase in the level of Gift Aid The restoration of the derelict Mappin we can process and claim. It has also led Café was completed, and this to greater efficiency with educational magnificent venue is now available for and other group bookings. A retail private functions. system was also installed which has led to improved profitability through Membership schemes were reviewed, reduced stock levels, the elimination of which led to the merging of the separate weaker selling lines and a reduction in Friends schemes on each site. The newly the number of suppliers. styled Friends of ZSL will be more efficient to administer and offer a greater 24

fundraising & grants

As ZSL embarks on plans for site redevelopment, we have implemented strategies to provide the infrastructure for major capital campaigns and on-going sustainable and integrated support across all of the Society’s mission areas: living collections, conservation programmes and research.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for venue for numerous functions including Europe and Africa, which generously the opening party kindly hosted by supported B.U.G.S! (formerly Web of British Land. Life), has continued its support for ZSL with sponsorship of the 2003-4 series of A generous grant from the Bridge House Scientific Meetings. These cover a range Trust has enabled ZSL to embark on a of conservation and environmental programme of access improvements at issues and, as key vehicles for public London Zoo to bring the site further in education, are at the heart of ZSL’s line with the requirements of the learned activities. These events are highly Disability Discrimination Act. The regarded and are attended by academics, programme of work, which will last until students and conservation professionals the end of 2004, includes ramps and from around the world, as well as the automatic doors to many of the animal general public and ZSL members. houses, induction loops to assist the hard of hearing, pedestrian access to the The series was launched in October with car park and a new wider turnstile on a lecture by Professor David Macdonald, the north bank exit. These improvements a member of ZSL’s Council and Director will make access easier for all our of the Wildlife Conservation Research visitors including those with wheelchairs Unit (WildCRU) at the University of or buggies. Oxford. His talk on the work of the Hwange Lion research (also supported At Whipsnade, the completion of the by the MCFEA) was extremely well new terrapin enclosure sponsored by attended. We were delighted that Finnforest was a great development in His Excellency The Ambassador of Japan, the care of these rare freshwater turtles. Mr Masaki Orita, joined us for the lecture Finnforest, an international wood and said a few words at the reception products company which supplies timber which followed in B.U.G.S! to mark from well-managed forests around the the close collaboration between the UK world, is an excellent partner for ZSL, and Japan in the fields of science with its commitment to conservation and and education. to helping to protect the world’s forests. As well as supporting the new terrapin Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore facility, Finnforest also provided Airlines have for some years jointly sponsorship in-kind by providing wood provided support for a key annual event for the refurbishment of the decking in the ZSL calendar, the Stamford Raffles around the sealion pool. We look forward lecture, through their sponsorship of the to continuing this successful partnership post-lecture reception. This year they in future years. generously agreed to continue this support, which emphasises ZSL’s Animals in Good Company, a pilot historical connection with Singapore initiative with the support of The through its founder Sir Stamford Raffles. Learning Trust, has designed a programme of mentoring and self- The restoration work on the Mappin development which offers East London Café, generously supported in 2002 by secondary school pupils the opportunity The British Land Company plc with an to improve their skills in business additional grant from English Heritage, management. The aim is to provide them was completed in the early summer. The with the motivation and support to Grade II listed building once again looks encourage them to continue their beautiful and has been a spectacular education beyond 16, as well as to raise 25

Fundraising & Grants top: NERC funded a research project to investigate adaptation in response to climate change in the brown argus butterfly (Aricia agestis). Rob Wilson

bottom: The Island of Santa Fé in the Galápagos Archipelago. ZSL

their awareness of conservation issues Major Grants and to support the work of ZSL. The Institute of Zoology’s research The project has provided an opportunity continues to be supported by the annual for a new type of corporate involvement core grant from HEFCE. In 2003, this in the Society’s work which fulfils grant of £1.85 million, paid to the corporate social responsibility Institute via Cambridge University, objectives, as well as initiating a new contributed to the ongoing research education programme to meet our programmes and enabled development mission of promoting worldwide animal of new ones. It also provided support for and habitat conservation. News research staff to apply for competitive International have sponsored the project, external research grants and providing funds, staff and in-kind studentships. resources for the mentoring programme and for the pupils’ Zoo project, a new Successful applications awarded during termite mound for the sloth bears at 2003 included: London Zoo. Veredus have provided mentors for the nine pupils from The Natural Environment Research Hackney’s Haggerston Girls’ School. The Council (NERC) funded two new research mentoring will continue in to early 2004 projects. £51,207 was awarded to Dr Jon and on its completion the sloth bears Bridle for a two-year period to fund his will be able to enjoy their new termite project entitled Genetic tests for mound on the Mappin Terraces. adaptation at the expanding range margin of the British butterfly Aricia In addition to grants and corporate agestis. An award of £193,192 was also sponsorship, ZSL depends on the made to Dr Andrew Cunningham and donations of individuals to help achieve Dr Matthew Fisher for their work with vital animal conservation work. This year Imperial College on Ecological and an appeal to Members and Adopters to genetic determinants of Batrachochytrium donate to the newly established Field dendrobatidis emergence in European Conservation Fund received many populations. generous donations. The Fund has been set up to channel money to where it is Darwin Initiative grants were awarded to needed most, in our field projects in Dr Simon Goodman and Dr Andrew Britain and in over 30 countries. These Cunningham (£75,469) for Building projects receive no core-funding, and the capacity and determining disease threats Fund therefore plays an essential role in to endemic Galápagos fauna, and providing ongoing support for this work. Dr Richard Pettifor and Dr Raj Amin If you would like to find out more about (£170,322) for Building capacity for the Field Conservation Fund, please conservation of a critically endangered contact the Development Department on flagship species. 020 7449 6582 or [email protected]. DEFRA contributed £72,000 to Dr Andrew Bourke and Dr Bill Jordan for a five-year project entitled Genetic censuses of bumble bee numbers at experimentally sown plots of wildflowers. DEFRA also awarded a three-year BBSRC LINK grant (£572,584) to Dr Bill Holt, for work on Increasing the efficiency of artificial 26

insemination: Improving sperm survival the Democratic Republic of Congo by oviduct components, with two (Emmanuel de Merode). commercial sponsors, Sheffield University and the Royal Veterinary College. DEFRA awarded two Darwin Initiative grants, contributing £40,459 as a first Scottish Natural Heritage awarded instalment of a grant over three years £107,306 to Dr Marcus Rowcliffe and worth £187,921 to support conservation Dr Richard Pettifor for their two-year training in Mongolia (Dr Kate Oddie). project Review of the Scottish National Goose Policy Framework: modelling The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust changes in the Artic breeding goose donated £10,000 to the Cabo Delgado populations that winter in Scotland. Biodiversity and Tourism Project, Mozambique (Dr Julie Garnier).

English Nature extended its contribution The Direction de l'Environnement, to the funding for the Species Recovery French Polynesia, contributed £17,581 as Programme (£89,518) led by Tony a first instalment of a grant worth Sainsbury. c. £50,000 over 3 years, to conservation of endemic tree snails in the Society The Rufford Foundation supported the Islands (Dr Trevor Coote). IUCN Red List Programme and associated scientific work (£50,000). The European Union contributed £58,781 to the Pan-African project for the Control of Epizootics (PACE, Dr Richard Kock). Grants awarded and donations to ZSL’s conservation programmes included: The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Saudi The Community Fund contributed Arabia, contributed £123,726 for the £116,461 to Project Seahorse (Dr Heather management of the King Khalid Wildlife Hall) to support socio-economic research Research Centre (Dr Iyad Nader). and fisheries modelling in the Philippines.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $29,810 to support gorilla Grants were also received from: monitoring and habituation at the Mikongo Conservation Centre, Gabon. Mrs Ann and Mr Bill Elfers Bosack and Kruger The Foreign and Commonweath Office The Tufton Charitable Trust contributed £34,200 for tiger and Anglo American plc conservation work in conjunction The Marshgate Charitable Trust with AMUR in the Russian Far East The Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (Sarah Christie). USAID.

DEFRA awarded £30,000 to ZSL via the IUCN Cat Specialist Group, to support the work of 21st Century Tiger and other ZSL big cat projects (Sarah Christie).

UNESCO provided grants of 30,000 and 10,000 to support the management of Garamba and Virunga National Parks in 27

this page: Edward Lear’s vitoe. ZSL

opposite page top: Mark Catesby’s Carolina Parrakeet. ZSL

opposite page bottom: Testacea utriusque Siciliae, eorumque historia dfsdet anatome by Poli. ZSL

28

library

The Library’s catalogue was made publicly accessible online over the web, greatly enhancing our services. It can be accessed from the Library page on the ZSL website www.zsl.org or directly by using the URL https://library.zsl.org. The catalogue gives details of all our serial (journal) holdings and almost 13,000 books. Details can be found for all the books added since 1991 and most books published before 1860.

Over 700 books and 4,400 serial issues Interest in our archives has continued to have been added to our collections; increase with a variety of researchers many of these were received through the visiting the Library, mainly to consult the generosity of members. Each month Daily Occurrence books, the 19th century Library staff compile a list of approxi- Council minutes, Minutes of Scientific mately 50 newly acquired books–this is meetings, Minutes of the Gardens e-mailed to staff and Fellows who request Committee, Zoo guides and the letters a copy. The lists for 2003 have now been collection. Again, there has been a steady made available on the ZSL website. stream of historical and genealogical enquiries throughout the year. New lighting has been installed on the Library Gallery. This has resulted in The Deputy Librarian/Archivist, Michael much-needed improvement to light Palmer, received the Michael Brambell levels in winter. New and emergency Travel Award. This enabled him to spend lighting has been installed in the Library part of September in New York at the basement and ground floor making Library of the Wildlife Conservation these locations much safer. Increased Society at Bronx Zoo and visit other fire detection has also been installed. libraries in New York. He was also able to attend the meeting of zoo librarians The subject of the May Tuesday Talk was at the American Zoos Association Brian Houghton Hodgson, and some of conference in Columbus, Ohio. his drawings and notes were displayed in the Library over a three-week period. To celebrate 150 years of the world’s first Over 70 people visited the exhibition on aquarium, the Fish House at London the day of the talk. Zoo, there was a small display of material in the Library entrance lobby Some of the books illustrated by throughout much of the year. Edward Lear were displayed in the Foyer of the Meeting Rooms before the AGM In celebration of Archives Awareness so that Fellows had an opportunity to Month, we displayed a selection of see them and collect a leaflet about postcards from European zoos. The cards work throughout the year; and to Library services. were collected by Stanley S Flower, Fellows, organisations and members of probably between 1890 and 1910. the public who have made donations An article in the Spring issue of to the Library. Lifewatch magazine featured Mark An article in the Autumn/Winter issue Catesby’s The natural history of Carolina, of Lifewatch magazine featured items in Florida and Bahama Islands published the archives concerning Winnie, the bear between 1731 and 1743. We displayed used as a basis for A A Milne’s Winnie these volumes in the Reading Room for the Pooh.The items mentioned in the a three-week period; similarly the article were displayed in the Library Summer issue featured the two volumes during November and December. of Gleanings from the menagerie and aviary at Knowsley Hall, illustrated by A number of special Behind the Scenes Edward Lear and Benjamin Waterhouse tours were held for specialist groups Hawkins. The Autumn/Winter issue including the EOSi User Group and featured Testacea utriusque Siciliae, the Fisheries Management and eorumque historia et anatome by Poli, Freshwater Group. 1797-1827.These displays proved popular and attracted some members As always, we are extremely grateful to to the Library for the first time. our Library volunteers for all their hard 29

financial information

dfsd

Treasurer’s statement cancels this allowance and will reduce our Sheet. The full Trustees’ report and ability to improve and maintain our sites. financial statements, from which the ZSL recorded a consolidated surplus on Both the Institute of Zoology and summarised financial statements are operations of £1.4 million and an overall Conservation Programmes increased derived, have been externally examined surplus, after profits on valuation of their revenues with new grants in 2003, by Ernst & Young LLP and their audit investments, of £1.7 million after but these are effectively ringfenced. report on them is unqualified. The full excluding the recovery of Value Added Trustees’ report and financial statements Tax (VAT) as noted below. These There was increased expenditure in the and Ernst & Young LLP’s audit report compare with figures of £1.2 million year compared to 2002. This covers such on them were approved by the Trustees operating surplus and overall surplus of items as spending on maintenance, on 20 April 2004. Ernst & Young LLP £0.7 million in 2002. In terms of the normal expenditure on staff and facilities to approved and signed their audit report activity of ZSL this has been a less than improve the effectiveness of ZSL, and on 21 April 2004. These will be submitted satisfactory year as, although ZSL has general wage and inflation rises. to the Charity Commission; copies can achieved its budgeted surplus, it has be obtained from the Finance Director at been with the advantage of the success The total cash outflow of £3.7 million on The Zoological Society of London, in our VAT case but offset by disappointing capital was largely spent on upgrading Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. visitor numbers at London Zoo which and refurbishment on both sites, but have depressed the overall result. included restoration of the Mappin Café building, improved exhibits for otters, Signed on behalf of the Trustees on Following the success of our claim meerkats and sealions and the start of 21 April 2004 against HM Customs & Excise, these work for a new chimpanzee facility at results include the net benefit of our claim Whipsnade. In addition we have installed (including interest) going back to 1990 a new EPOS system for retail, which has for retention of VAT on admission income, helped in reducing stock levels and which has increased the surplus in the margin improvements, and a new ticketing year by £10 million (net of professional system which has reduced costs and fees of £0.5 million). It is our intention increased efficiency in Gift Aid recovery. that these funds will be used to contribute Paul Rutteman CBE, BSc (Econ), FCA to improvements to our animal exhibits, The severe loss on the valuation of Treasurer the infrastructure of both sites and investments in 2002 in ZSL’s Pension improvements to maintenance which has Fund has been partially reversed and the suffered from being under-funded over fund is still in a satisfactory position. the past ten years whilst we suffered VAT However, in discussion with its Pension on our income. Fund trustees, ZSL has agreed to further increase its contributions to the Fund ZSL remains dependent on the two zoos as a precautionary measure. for the bulk of its income. In 2003, Whipsnade's visitor numbers reached 445,000, slightly lower than last year; Trustees’ statement however, in contrast the visitor numbers accompanying the group at London Zoo were 815,000, 75,000 summarised financial lower than the preceding year. Income statements figures benefited from a further increase in Gift Aid recoveries and the retention The group summarised financial of the full admission income with no VAT statements are not the statutory being payable to HM Customs & Excise. accounts but a summary of information Gift Aid on day membership in 2003 relating to the Group Statement of amounted to £849,000; this source of Financial Activities, Group Statement of income will be lost if the Chancellor Cash Flows and the Group Balance

30

Group Summarised Financial Statements

Summary Group Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2003

Year Year to 31.12.03 to 31.12.02 £000 £000

Incoming resources

Incoming resources from operating activities of the charity: Activities in furtherance of objectives: Admission, membership and similar income 13,178 11,306 Recovery of Value Added Tax 7,524 – Publication sales and similar income 437 363 Contract and fee income 656 820 Grants 3,629 2,983 Activities for generating funds: Merchandising income and catering 4,213 4,433 Facility fee and rental income 344 199 Other sales and fees 836 478 Donations, legacies and other income 529 326 Interest and investment income 2,874 400

Total incoming resources 34,220 21,308

Resources expended

Cost of generating funds: Fundraising costs 110 79 Merchandising and catering costs 2,986 2,988 Charitable expenditure: Cost of activities in furtherance of objects: Animal collection costs 14,101 12,375 Science and research 4,055 3,555 Conservation programmes 1,249 758 Management and administration 307 327

Total resources expended 22,808 20,082

Operating surplus for the year 11,412 1,226

Gains/(losses) on investments 312 (536)

Surplus for the year 11,724 690

Total funds balance brought forward 23,797 23,107

Total funds balance carried forward 35,521 23,797

Summary Group Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2003

Year Year to 31.12.03 to 31.12.02 £000 £000

Operating surplus for the year 11,412 1,226

Less: Recovery of Value Added Tax and related interest, net of professional fees (9,995) – Add: Depreciation 1,518 1,285 2,935 2,511

Less: Purchase of tangible fixed assets (net of disposals) (3,714) (1,993) (Less)/Add: Purchase of fixed asset investments (net of disposals) (128) 62 (907) 580

Changes in other assets and liabilities 750 (22)

Net cash (outflow)/inflow (157) 558

311

Group Summarised Financial Statements (continued)

Summary Group Balance Sheet at 31 December 2003

31.12.03 31.12.02 £000 £000

Fixed assets Tangible assets 15,399 13,354 Investments 3,074 2,634 18,473 15,988 Current assets Stocks 346 431 Debtors 12,245 2,099 Cash at bank and in hand 7,878 8,035 20,469 10,565

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (3,421) (2,583)

Net current assets 17,048 7,982

Total assets less current liabilities 35,521 23,970

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year – (173)

Net assets 35,521 23,797

Funds Unrestricted – General 28,960 17,803 – Designated 2,900 2,705 Restricted – Endowments 887 779 – Other 2,774 2,510

Total funds 35,521 23,797

Independent Auditors’ Statement to the Trustees of the Zoological Society of London

We have examined the group’s summarised financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003 which comprise the Summary Group Statement of Financial Activities, Summary Group Statement of Cash Flows and the Summary Group Balance Sheet.

This report is made solely to the Trustees. To the fullest extent required by the law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Trustees, for our work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and auditors 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’ consistency with the full financial statements, which were approved by the trustees on 20 April 2004 and on which we signed our audit report on 21 April 2004.

Basis of opinion We have carried out the procedures we consider necessary to ascertain whether the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been prepared.

Opinion In our opinion the summarised financial statements are consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2003.

Ernst & Young LLP Registered Auditor London

28 April 2004

32

front cover: Plans were approved to develop a major new Komodo dragon ZSL MISSION: To achieve exhibit at London Zoo for opening in 2004. This picture was taken at Regent’s Park in the 1920s. and promote the ZSL this page: Plaque from the old Lion worldwide conservation House displayed on the Lion Terraces. of animals and their habitats

ZSL PURSUES THIS MISSION BY: 1 KEEPING AND PRESENTING ANIMALS AT LONDON ZOO AND

WHIPSNADE WILD ANIMAL PARK IN ACCORDANCE WITH BEST PRACTICE; 2 GIVING PRIORITY TO

SPECIES THAT ARE THREATENED IN THE WILD; 3 INCREASING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF

ANIMALS AND THEIR WELFARE AND OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN THEIR CONSERVATION;

4 MAINTAINING AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PROGRAMME, PARTICULARLY

FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN AND FAMILIES; 5 UNDERTAKING FIELD CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES,

BOTH IN BRITAIN AND ABROAD; 6 DEVELOPING ITS ROLE AS A LEADING CENTRE FOR RESEARCH The Zoological Society of Directors 7 London AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ANIMAL WELFARE; FULFILLING ITS ROLE AS A LEARNED (Registered Charity no. 208728) Director General Dr Michael Dixon Review Editor Ian Meyrick (until 10 May 2004) Assistant Editor Diane Bratby Regent’s Park Commercial Director Brian Oldman We extend our thanks to staff, colleagues SOCIETY AND FORCE FOR ZOOLOGY AND ANIMAL CONSERVATION THROUGH PUBLICATIONS, London NW1 4RY Conservation Programmes Director and other organisations for the use of and at Dr Glyn Davies photographs in this Review. Whipsnade Wild Animal Park Finance Director Michael Bird SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS, LECTURES, THE AWARD OF PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AND Dunstable Human Resources Director Ian Meyrick Design newlevel.co.uk Bedfordshire LU6 2LF Director of Science, Institute of Zoology Professor Georgina Mace Print Perivan London. Printed on THE PROMOTION OF CONSERVATION POLICY. Chromomat Club which is chlorine free, Zoological Director Chris West acid-free, bio-degradable and Copyright © 2004 manufactured from sustainable sources.

further information All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in Director General’s Office 020 7449 6207 a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, Membership Department 020 7449 6261 photocopying, recording or otherwise Conservation Programmes 020 7449 6304 without prior permission of the publisher. 1 President’s foreword Fundraising Office 020 7449 6582 2 Worldwide Network Institute of Zoology 020 7449 6601 3 the zoological society of london Library 020 7449 6293 4 Review of the Year London Zoo 020 7722 3333 7 Awards & Honours Whipsnade Wild Animal Park 01582 872171 9 Conservation & Science 16 Education & Information www.zsl.org 21 The Zoos at Work 25 Fundraising & Grants 29 Library 30 Financial Information Annual Review 2003Annual Review

The Zoological Society of London Annual Review 2003 www.zsl.org Whipsnade Wild Whipsnade Animal Park Dunstable LU6 2LF Bedfordshire The Zoological Society of London Society The Zoological Park Regent’s NW1 4RY London