38 our business enterprise

Principal Areas of Activity

• Admissions • Community Citizenship • Commercial Services • Corporate Relations • Retail Services • Catering Services • The Taronga Foundation • Marketing • Corporate Partnerships • Information Technology • Animal Sponsorship • Tourism • Media Relations • Graphic Design • Benchmarking • Records Management and Archives Office Taronga’s popular pair of Asian Elephants, • Risk Management male Heman and female Burma, which shared Taronga’s famous Elephant Temple for 25 years, were successfully transferred to Western Plains Zoo in May. Western Plains Zoo is now the only Zoo in Australasia to display both African and Asian Elephants, providing a unique chance for people to discover the differences between the two species.

Photograph courtesy Jeff Darmanin –The Daily Telegraph 39 The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Goals Objectives Performance Indicators

Organisational Capacity Organisational Capacity 04 05 To develop and implement • To improve business effectiveness Direct government superior systems that enable the via simplification, speed and support per visitor to adapt to new market reduced costs. conditions and identify new Taronga Zoo $16.02 $16.60 • To improve communication opportunities created by change. Western Plains Zoo $14.21 $13.80 processes. Commerce Operating expenses • To develop systems to improve Annual Report 2005 To meet financial requirements by per visitor response capacity and effectively generating support and goodwill measure performance. Taronga Zoo $28.91 $31.37 among our customers, supporters Western Plains Zoo $41.37 $43.05 and stakeholders. Commerce • To increase business volumes, Capital expenditure Community market share and revenue through per visitor To ensure our Zoos play an active innovative and competitive Taronga Zoo $13.51 $19.43 role in fostering community commercial activities. Western Plains Zoo $9.86 $5.33 involvement by developing and participating in activities that Community create a sense of belonging and • To further develop our status as working towards common goals. an important community asset and resource.

• To achieve a greater awareness of our programs and activities in ethnic communities.

• To achieve an increased sense of community pride and ownership of the Zoos.

• To achieve a leadership role in the community in conservation and environmental endeavours. our business enterprise

Marketing Gorilla Babies Tourist attractions in Sydney had a prosperous The birth of baby Gorilla “Kimya” in January year with 7% growth in the international provided an opportunity to promote Taronga’s tourism market and a strong domestic successful Western Lowland Gorilla breeding economy. Competition was heavy with program in the Easter school holidays. This was significant promotional offers and activities strongly supported by television advertising, such as the Lord of the Rings exhibition at the extensive media coverage, additional keeper 40 Powerhouse Museum and the long-running talks and Zoo activities. Zoo attendances were King stage show. above budget by 5% through this period, reaching close to 90,000 for April. The regional market continued to suffer the impacts of the on-going drought and heavy Twilight Concert Series competition from coastal locations, compounded by the highly competitive airline 2005 marked the 10th Anniversary of the industry delivering cheaper flights across popular Twilight at Taronga Concert series. Australia, increasing petrol prices and a The Zoo recorded its largest attendances ever continued reluctance for drive travel. with ticket sales exceeding 34,000. The Twilight Concert series continues to be an In this environment, the Marketing Division important source of income for the Zoo and needed to deliver a comprehensive program The Taronga Foundation and has significantly of activities designed to attract a broader broadened the market appeal of Taronga. market of visitors to both Zoos. Western Plains Zoo Winter Zoo Kingdom Consortium Marketing Strategy This July promotion focused on animal Western Plains Zoo’s marketing partnership behaviours in winter. The promotion was with Dubbo City Tourism and the Central supported by TV advertising, extensive public NSW Tourism Board progressed with a relations support, in-grounds activities and strategy that included three television keeper talks. Visitation exceeded 95,000 for commercials and media planning, with the first the month representing a 3% increase on the commercials appearing in Sydney in August/ Zoo’s five-year average. Sept. All partners contributed equally to a media schedule enabling greater reach of Top: During the October Spiders and school holidays, Taronga Zoo marketing budgets. The campaign also aired in introduced new Spider Keeper Spiders and reptiles provided the focus for this October, January and March, utilising the Zoo’s Talks at Backyard to Bush. year’s Zoo Month celebrations in the October Channel 9 media partnership. Direct enquiries The talks provided visitors school holidays. The theme was particularly the opportunity to meet to a central call centre increased by 103% and learn about Australia’s popular with children who chose to wear year-on-year and a 4% increase of Sydney incredible spiders, including spider costumes for their day out at the Zoo. visitors to Dubbo and Western Plains Zoo was the Funnelweb and the A new television commercial was produced experienced. The strategy will continue through Redback spider. and Spider Keeper Talks were introduced at 2005/06 with the introduction of two-three day Opposite: A six foot, 65kg ‘Backyard to Bush’ during the school holidays. accommodation and attraction packages. male named “Kindu” was born in May at Western Plains Zoo. “Kindu” is the fifth Show Relaunch Western Plains calf for “Andrea” and the sixth Taronga’s spectacular Free Flight Bird Show Regional Promotion sired by “Nakuru”, a 6-year-old male which was brought to was re-launched for the December school Western Plains Zoo introduced a regional Western Plains Zoo in 2000 to holidays. A number of new and routines promotional package in January and February, add important genetic were introduced and additional in-ground offering half-price tickets on Sundays to diversification to the herd. promotions ran via sponsors Streets and residents of Dubbo and the broader surrounds. PHOTO COURTESY JEFF DARMANIN – THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. Coke. Taronga had peak crowds between The promotion was well received with visitation Christmas and New Year placing the Zoo 24% increasing by 27% on the previous year. Additional over budget with more than 120,000 people revenue was also gained through the promotion, visiting Taronga in January. particularly with the Zoo’s new animal encounters programs for and big cats. The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Annual Report 2005 41 our business enterprise our business Taronga Zoo representation at trade Zoo representation Taronga shows in Japan, South East Asia, United Kingdom and USA, of exclusive behind-the- growth strong scenes tours of ‘VIP Aussie Gold’ and Wild Australia’, ‘Taronga’s on-going partnerships with the Australian NSW and Commission, Tourism Tourism Sydney to consolidate Taronga’s Tourism tourism profile, and tracking in key advertising increased tourism publications, Zoo initial development of new Taronga signage with Sydney Ferries at Circular and Quay, design and development of new branding ‘Wild signs for Taronga’s and directional Australia’ experience. Group Sales Sales a focused sales drive, Group Through specifically in continued to grow, at Taronga Several union the large picnic day market. days and solid picnics, corporate event ticket sales followed a direct pre-paid CFMEU, held marketing drive. New client in December. a picnic for 7,000 members International Tourism remained International tourism at Taronga 34% during the year and represented strong of total visitation. The Zoo won a bid to host to the largest China Amway incentive group visit Sydney with almost 10,000 delegates visiting the Zoo over eight days in January. Visitors enjoyed a ‘Wild Australia’ tour and a Koala digital photo opportunity. offered were popular with The event was tremendously in profile Taronga’s delegates and increased the international tourism market. Other tourism highlights included: • • • • • • the taronga foundation chairman’s report

42

As we end the fourth year of The Corporate Partnerships also continued Sumatra, Indonesia and Brush-tailed Rock Foundation’s activities the total funds to provide a solid base of funding for The and Little Penguins here in New received to 30 June 2005 or contracted, Foundation this year, especially in May when South Wales. exceed $17.5 million representing 30% we welcomed QBE as a Principal Partner We would also like acknowledge the of our total campaign target of $56 million and Naming Rights Sponsor of the popular generous support of Zoo Friends who this over the full 12 years of the Master Plan. Free Flight Bird Show. An official launch was year donated $172,000 directly to The held for QBE and their staff at the famous Pleasingly, actual cumulative cash received Taronga Foundation. The on-going support amphitheatre overlooking Sydney Harbour. totals $11.4 million at the end of this of Zoo Friends has made a huge contribution We look forward to a long and mutually financial year. since the launch of The Taronga Foundation beneficial partnership with them. in December 2000. Despite a challenging fundraising New Year’s Eve was a highly successful environment in which global disasters, Thanks must also go to all the ZooParents event for The Foundation in 2004, with such as the Boxing Day Tsunami, naturally whose continued commitment ensures more than 1,800 guests celebrating the attracted great support, The Foundation many important conservation education arrival of 2005 in a great family atmosphere. raised total of $3.2 million in 04/05, with projects are fulfilled. This year 3048 Over $70,000 was raised for The Taronga expenses of 17% resulting in a net amount people signed on to become a ZooParent, Foundation on this night. raised of $2.75million. contributing $545,000 towards The This year we also launched our very special Taronga Foundation. The Taronga Foundation was established ZooFamily event which raised $90,000 to support the conservation efforts of the The next exciting Master Plan project ‘Great and proved to be a hit with Foundation Zoological Parks Board of NSW and thereby Southern Oceans’ will soon commence supporters both young and old. ZooFamily inspire our community to create a better construction right next door to Wild Asia. took over from the previous Zoofari events future for wildlife and our children and these This new exhibit and the many marine which were also held at Taronga Zoo. results are extremely encouraging. species that will call it their new home, will The Foundation’s Establishment Dinner was become the next big fundraising focus for Thank you to all those who have supported again a triumphant event, raising $160,000 in The Taronga Foundation. The Foundation through direct donations, total. Thank you to our Foundation Patrons auction purchases, corporate partnerships Next year presents many challenges for The who attended the annual event and a special and attending our many fundraising events Taronga Foundation, but we are excited by thank you to Justin Hemmes for continuing throughout the year. Your support ensures what lies ahead and are confident that we will to make the wonderful Establishment Hotel that not only the Zoos’ projects come to continue to expand our fundraising activities available for the night. The evening provides fruition but in-situ conservation projects in to meet targets set by the Master Plan. a rare opportunity for guests to bid for some the wild receive funding as well. unique items, including a once in a lifetime I would like to place on record my thanks The new $40 million Wild Asia exhibit opportunity to host a dinner party inside to my fellow Patrons and Governors for progressed to near-completion and two Taronga’s African Lion exhibit. their support throughout the year and to of its new inhabitants, the endangered ZPB Director and Chief Executive, Guy The Taronga Foundation also raised $19,000 Silvery Gibbons, were the focus of Taronga Cooper, and his staff for their commitment at the Establishment Dinner to train rangers Foundation’s main public appeal this year. to The Foundation’s work. in Burma to monitor the illegal killing of In total, three Public Appeals programs Elephants through the CITES MIKE initiated this year raised in excess of program. Additionally The Foundation is $180,000 for The Taronga Foundation. involved with various in situ conservation With the opening of Wild Asia later in 2005, programs domestically and internationally, we hope that all the generous supporters of including the Silvery Gibbons in Java, Asian the Silvery Gibbon appeal will soon be able Elephants in Kuiburi National Park Thailand, MAURICE L NEWMAN AC to see the Zoo’s gibbon pair, Reggie and Asian Turtles in Cuc Phuong Vietnam, Chairman Haliman, in their new rainforest home. Sumatran in Kerinchi National Park The Taronga Foundation the taronga foundation

Fundraising and Development Establishment Corporate Partnership & The goal of Fundraising and Development Fundraising Dinner Business Development is to achieve revenue targets supporting the The 5th annual Zoo Auction dinner In a competitive year for charities seeking delivery of the Zoos’ Master Plan, as well as was held at the end of June, raising a sponsorship, $1,319,600 in cash important on-going conservation, research record $160,000 for the Master Plan sponsorship was secured compared and education projects. and conservation projects. This included to $944,000 in the previous year, an $19,000 for the CITES Monitoring of the increase of 39%. This year the Fundraising and Development Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) program 43 team has focused on refining its strategies In addition to cash sponsorship, a total in Burma and Thailand. in the key areas of Corporate Partnerships, of $1.7million of contra sponsorship and

Major Gifts, Bequests and Trusts, Public Foundation Governor, Justin Hemmes, once in-kind support from companies contributed The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Appeals and the ZooParent program. again generously donated the ballroom of to operations of both the ZPB and The the Establishment Hotel as the venue for the Taronga Foundation. In a challenging fundraising environment, event. Over 160 patrons and guests enjoyed $2.6 million was raised for The Taronga Some highlights of the year included: a night of entertainment and bid generously Foundation. on a unique range of auction items. • QBE signing on as a Principle Partner and naming-rights sponsor of the QBE The Taronga Foundation ZooFamily Free Flight Bird Show, The Taronga Foundation activity The inaugural ZooFamily event was held • ING’s renewed commitment to highlights included: on 27 November, replacing the previous a Presidential sponsorship of the ‘Zoofari’ annual fundraising night. Over 250 African , New Years Eve at Taronga Annual Report 2005 people enjoyed private access to the Zoo • Capital Trust joining as Champion Taronga Zoo’s New Year’s Eve event with their friends and family to experience sponsors of the Snow , grew substantially this year and is now a special animal encounters and a family • St George Bank’s on-going commitment key fundraising event for the Zoo. Over concert, while raising over $25,000 for to the St George Zoomobile, 1,800 tickets were sold, well ahead of The Taronga Foundation. target and $70,000 was raised for The • A Coca-Cola Amatil “Refresh, recycle and renew” initiative including a joint outdoor Taronga Foundation. Ticketek’s provision Animal Sponsorship of marketing and ticketing support for the advertising promotion for the opening of The ZooParent animal sponsorship program event, along with additional entertainment, the new Taronga Food Market, continued its success with over 3,048 were key factors in attracting ticket buyers. • Substantial contra-sponsorships from members contributing $545,000 during Moon Design, Burwood Press and 42 the year. Memberships were boosted by Public Appeals International to assist with marketing, a competition and advertising campaign. design and printing, The three direct mail public appeals held this Focus group research conducted during • New sponsorships secured from Nestle year raised over $180,000 for The Taronga the year has provided a solid foundation Staff Club, VisiPak (PET) and Ticketek, Foundation. Increasing the frequency of to review and improve the program in the the appeals has helped to establish a year ahead. • Sydney Water’s continuing Crown substantial donor database for on-going sponsorship of the Urban House and fundraising efforts. This year’s main appeal ‘Backyard to Bush’, including the was focused on ‘Wild Asia’ and the Silvery successful Sydney Water Month Gibbons that will have a new home there. promotion held in April 2005,

Left: Taronga Foundation Patron, Justin Hemmes is introduced to “Benny” Boa Constrictor by Education Officer Michelle Lindsay at the annual Establishment Dinner.

Right: Ursula Hufnagl (right) Director of Chic Model Management and friend enjoying their evening at the annual Establishment Dinner held in June. our business enterprise

• ASX staff day with the seals, attracting more • two calves born at than 400 ASX staff, Western Plains Zoo, with, “Amira”, being • Joint marketing campaign with McDonald’s, hand-raised by keepers and receiving Crown sponsors of the McDonalds widespread media cover of her close Gorilla Forest. friendship with a goat, • Taronga’s two Asian Elephants’ reunion and Media Relations introduction to their new home at Western 44 The Media Relations Department focuses on Plains Zoo, obtaining positive media coverage of the Zoos’ • the debut of a foal born at Western animals, conservation efforts, activities and Plains Zoo, events, to maintain public interest in Taronga • first birthday celebrations in October for and Western Plains Zoos. The department three Sumatran Cubs “Jumila”, also coordinates all VIP visits. “Sendiri” and “Dumai”, Over the past year, the Zoos, together with • the visit to Western Plains Zoo of and Zoo, have reproductive experts from the Institute for received widespread coverage in local and Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin to attempt national media about plans to import Asian a world first artificial insemination (AI) Elephants into Australia to commence a attempt in a Black Rhinoceros, Co-operative Conservation Program (CCP). • the 28th birthday celebrations for Kodiak This coverage has been both positive and Bears, “Barney”, “Cynthia” and “Bethel” negative. Television coverage has featured included a special whole salmon each from on Today, National Nine News and The 7:30 the Sydney Fish Market, Report, as well as articles in the Sydney • various veterinary health checks including Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph and the one for a and media Mosman Daily. Numerous radio interviews coverage of animals released back into the with Zoo spokespeople have taken place, wild through the Zoos’ Wildlife Clinics, including on Radio 2GB and ABC 702. • the popular Aerobics Oz Style program Accordingly, a large portion of the Media filmed 20 fitness segments at Taronga Zoo, Relation Department’s time and resources featuring harbour views and a variety of were dedicated to managing of the elephant Zoo animals, Top: Taronga Zoo’s three old importation issue and responding to extensive • ABC Regional Radio broadcast 26 episodes Kodiak Bears, “Barney”, “Cynthia” media interest, reducing the amount of and “Bethel”, celebrated their of ‘Zoo Tales’ – a fortnightly segment with positive news media the department was 28th birthday with a special fresh Western Plains Zoo staff. salmon delivery from the Sydney able to generate. Fish Market. Events and activities organised by Taronga PHOTO COURTESY WILL BURGESS The transportation of a young female Giraffe, Zoo’s Media Relations Department included: – REUTERS. “Zarafa”, from Western Plains Zoo to Taronga • 10th Anniversary of Twilight at Taronga Zoo generated huge interest, including a concerts, detailed progress commentary on Richard Glover’s Drive on ABC Radio 702 as the • The opening of the new $6 million 600-seat Giraffe was driven through Sydney in a convoy Taronga Zoo Food Market by the Hon including a police escort. Widespread coverage Sandra Nori MP Minister for Tourism in April, appeared in evening news bulletins, national • annual Media Thank You Dinner, sponsored and international newspapers. by Australia Post, and

Numerous other animal events were covered • annual Zoo Friends Volunteers Thank extensively by the media at both Zoos You party. including: At Western Plains Zoo, events and • the debut of female Western Lowland Gorilla activities included: ‘Kimya’ born at Taronga Zoo, • the opening of the $1.2 million • the debut of four cubs born at redevelopment of Western Plains Zoo’s Western Plains Zoo, ‘Zoofari Lodge’, our business enterprise

• a media event to mark the introduction of items and their estimated value based on Media Relations staff at both zoos worked the new ‘Big Cat Encounters’ behind-the- the cost of similar advertising space. together to increase coverage and profile scenes tours, of Western Plains Zoo’s many animal stories, Careful targeting of high volume media, events and activities, contributing to a • ‘Zoofari Lodge’ nominated as a finalist in particularly print, has seen a substantial substantial increase Western Plain Zoo’s the Inland Tourism Awards 2005. increase in the value of coverage despite media coverage. The Zoos use a joint system to assess the a small decline in overall numbers. number of print, broadcast and telecast 45 The Zoological Parks Board of NSW Media Coverage – 2004/2005 Overall Commercial Value Comparisons (Estimate figures includes both positive and negative stories)

Television Media Jul 03–Jun 04 Jul 04–Jun 05 Taronga Zoo $6,642,610 $4,594,900 203 items 188 items

Western Plains Zoo $583, 400 $1,444,850 28 items 65 items Total $7,226,010 $6,039,750 231 items 253 items

Annual Report 2005 Total Increase and Decrease - $1,186,260 03/04–04/05 + 22 items

Print Media Jul 03–Jun 04 Jul 04–Jun 05 Taronga Zoo $1,175,824 $2,015,960 1157 articles 918 articles

Western Plains Zoo $171,231 $234,864 383 articles 316 items Total $1,347,055 $2,250,824 1,540 articles 1234 articles

Total Increase and Decrease + $903,769 03/04–04/05 - 306 articles

Radio Media Jul 03–Jun 04 Jul 04–Jun 05 Taronga Zoo $599,560 $633,965 506 items 356 items

Western Plains Zoo $161, 865 $336,295 103 items 193 items Total $761,425 $970,260 609 items 549 items

Total Increase and Decrease + $208,835 03/04–04/05 - 60 items

03/04 Total Value $9,334,490 03/04 Total items/articles 2,380 articles/items

04/05 Total Value $9,260,834 04/05 Total items/articles 2036 articles/items

Total Decrease 03/04–04/05 - $73,656 - 344 articles/items Design Studio In support of Zoo marketing activities, the • upgrade of the Western Plains Zoos designers produced a range of public appeal retail system, bringing it in line with The Design Studio undertook a diverse material for The Taronga Foundation as well Taronga, including an extension to range of work during the year including as tourism and educational brochures. ‘Zoofari Lodge’, major projects for the Zoos’ Master Plan, as well as producing effective educational In support of the China Amway tours, • review and expansion of the helpdesk and marketing materials. the Australian section of Taronga Zoo was capability with additional staff and completely re-signed with a system of targeted system upgrade, A Western Plains Zoo project involved 46 Chinese language markers and signs. • engagement of a new IT manager, the redesign of every sign and graphic installation across the site. Due to the pace of change at Taronga • continued work with other specialists Zoo, the Design Studio produced a record in the zoo and aquarium community At Taronga, key design projects included number of editions of the map, ensuring to design and build the Zoological the redesign of all interpretive graphics it was constantly updated for visitors. In Information Management System (ZIMS). at ‘Serpentaria’ and the Nightlife exhibit addition, the new Zoo Guidebook went to ZIMS is one of the largest, international project involving a total refurbishment of the its second edition and garnered significant web-based animal maintenance and entry and educational graphics throughout profits for The Taronga Foundation. husbandry projects of its kind. the house. Towards the end of the construction period On-going maintenance and support The program to sequentially redesign and for Taronga’s ‘Wild Asia’, the Design Studio work included: replace interpretive media at Taronga Zoo undertook extensive post-completion continued, with new graphics produced • network infrastructure across both projects including educational signage and installed at , Snow Leopards, Zoos, particularly at Taronga, to support and sculptures. Giraffes, Orang-utans and . the ‘Wild Asia’ development, • systems review from a management Additionally, an impressive series of Organisational Capacity and technical perspective including interpretive media was produced for the SAP,POS applications, desktop software new enclosure at Western Information Technology (IT) and hardware devices, Plains Zoo including elephant sculptures The ZPB continued to utilise leading and an interpretive graphics package. technologies with the support of IT • upgrading/replacement of Business Partners. Projects focused on approximately 60 computers and The Design Studio also undertook the ensuring the integrity and security of the various peripheral devices. successful re-branding of ‘Zoofari Lodge’, Zoos’ data network. Highlights included: • evaluation of the two-way radio producing full style guidelines for all communications systems at both Zoos. future applications. Our Partners in Technology include: SAP, IBM, Microsoft, Creative Digital Technology, Atos Origin, Nexon Asia Pacific, Computer Associates, It’sTime Computing Consultants, Crystal Decisions, MessageLabs Australia, MCI Australia, WatchGuard Technologies Inc., Avanade, CENTAMAN Systems and Elam Communications, all of who have contributed to the success of the many information technology projects and implementations undertaken at both Zoos.

Admissions – Taronga Zoo Admissions results for Taronga Zoo exceeded budget for the year, despite the on-going construction impact. Peak visitation days in excess of 10,000 guests were seen on some days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and through our business enterprise

the Easter school holidays. Inclement Retail – Western Plains Zoo weather impacted the usually solid January Retail sales at Western Plains Zoo were attendance, but this was boosted by the $547,132, down 12% on budget but in line large Amway China delegation of 10,000 with the softer visitor attendance figures. visitors over a nine-day period in that month. Sales per capita were $4.29, 1% ahead of The publicity surrounding the gorilla baby, budget. The increased spend per head is “Kimya”, and “Zarafa” the Giraffe, generated a direct result of the careful ordering and strong public interest and contributed to merchandising of the shop and also some 47 attendances reaching budgeted levels new external signage at the Zoo’s main through the latter half of the year. retail shop. The Zoological Parks Board of NSW

Admissions – Western Bicycle And Cart Hire – Plains Zoo Western Plains Zoo Western Plains Zoo finished the year 15% Bike and electric cart hire continue to behind budget. This was a strong result in be a popular means for visitors to travel light of the severe impact of the drought on around the flat open layout of the 6km regional attendances and the increasing road circuit. Gross earnings were $464,112, cost of petrol over the 3rd and 4th quarters down 10% on last year, while the per of the year. Peak visitation periods were capita figure of $1.92 was only slightly seen during the school holidays and long down on the budgeted figure of $1.94, weekends, particularly over the Easter and notwithstanding the hot, drought conditions Annual Report 2005 Queens Birthday long weekend. that tempered demand for bicycles over the summer months. Retail – Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo retail operations experienced Catering – Taronga Zoo another year of revenue growth and This year was significant for catering improvement. Continued improvement in operations at Taronga Zoo, with the opening sales from mobile carts has contributed of the $6 million Taronga Food Market on to that increased revenue, as has the 12 March. Located in the heart of the Zoo, improved product range and margins. the Taronga Food Market offers over 300 Staff development was an area of key menu choices from six different outlets focus with the conception and implementation Top: The $6 million 600-seat ranging from Asian, Italian and modern Taronga Food Market was of specific retail customer service and opened by the Minister for Australian cuisines, to an array of freshly training performed in early 05. Tourism, the Hon. Carmel baked options from the Bakery. Tebbutt MP, in April. The new In preparation for the redevelopment of the food complex offers over 300 The Food Market seats over 600, with Top Plaza retail store in 2007, a strategic different menu choices from both indoor climate-controlled spaces and six international cuisines, with plan for retail operations at Taronga outdoor garden seating. The Minister for visitors dining in a unique was developed. This plan included the Thai-style building. Tourism, the Hon Sandra Nori MP, officially development of a new retail store centrally PHOTO COURTESY JAMES ALCOCK opened the Taronga Food Market in April located in the Hillside Link building, opposite when more than 300 industry guests and Left: Naline Pirani, the newly opened Taronga Food Market. Zoo Guide – Zoofari Lodge, Zoo supporters attended the celebrations. The premise for this store was to not be Western Plains Zoo just another shop at the Zoo, but rather a With the opening of the Taronga Food “I am proud to be a member of the team at Zoofari Lodge Zoo Shop designed for more considered Market and a full year of trading in the because I feel we play a purchases carrying a range of unique renovated Taronga Function Centre, catering vital part in the Zoo’s role of Taronga merchandise. This store will enable franchise revenue net contribution improved raising public awareness for by 8% for the year. Another significant the plight of the world’s many Taronga to test new markets and assist endangered species.” in establishing Taronga as the essential improvement to note was the visitor survey shopping destination for product relating results on ‘Presentation of F&B outlets’, to wildlife. moving from June 2004 results of 54% satisfaction to 71% satisfaction in June 2005. Catering – Western Plains Zoo destination underwent a $1.2 million every cabin to capacity and subjecting the makeover, completed in September as Sky Safari to various stops to test its ability Food and beverage operations remained part of the ZPB Master Plan. to stop in any condition with a full load of consistent with general attendances at passengers. The full load was simulated attractions throughout regional NSW. Cleaning with the help of one of the Zoo’s Principal Gross earnings were $604,126, down partners Coca-Cola Amatil, who supplied 3% on budget, with the sales per capita The Cleaning Department has implemented heavy beverage cartons to assist with the figure at a strong $4.54, up 19% on last significant changes aimed at improving weight testing. 48 year. In its second year running, Bakhita’s the standard of cleaning and identifying Café continues to grow in popularity with opportunities for savings. Additionally, The Sky Safari is not only popular with an increase of 10% on the expected an assessment and feasibility into the visitors but also boosts revenue for Taronga. budget. Functions ranging from weddings, purchase of a street sweeper for Taronga This year it generated $859,370 profit after corporate luncheons and birthday parties Zoo visitor roads and pathways was depreciation and interest expenses. remain a core business income for Western completed and the new street sweeper Plains Zoo. To further develop this aspect was incorporated into operations in June. Community and Social of Zoo operations, a reservations and It will revolutionise the way Taronga is Responsibilities presented for guests every morning and sales coordinator role was established to Both Zoos supported a wide range of enable the Cleaning Department to take encourage this important market. charities and special needs groups by on the challenge of cleaning the new providing discounted or complimentary exhibit surrounds without requiring ANZ Conservation Theatre entry for community organisations such extra resources. The ANZ Conservation Theatre hosted 261 as Barnados, Salvation Army, Starlight functions for more than 15,000 guests. Another achievement for the Cleaning Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, These included commercial bookings by Department was the improvement The Make A Wish Foundation, Sydney St George Bank, Telstra, Tourism NSW, in performance as measured by the City Mission, Youth off the Street, Stewart National Geographic and S.C. Johnson visitor survey results. Satisfaction in the House, Bear Cottage, Rotary, Randwick for a variety of conferences, workshops, ‘Cleanliness of the grounds’, increased and Westmead Children’s Hospitals and product launches, fundraising, educational from 78% in June 04 to 89% in June 05. various refugee groups. and social events. Community groups such Additionally, the Media Relations as the Spastic Centre of NSW and Sydney Sky Safari Department continues to provide Life Church also regularly used the theatre. The Sky Safari reached its milestone five- information and images of the ZPB’s year anniversary in April 2005. During the many activities and events to the widest Zoofari Lodge five years of operation, the Sky Safari has cross-section of society including to Western Plains Zoo’s on-site ‘Zoofari become a major drawcard for visitors various ethnic community radio stations Lodge’ had another very successful year. to Taronga Zoo. As part of the routine and newspapers including The Australian The Lodge generated $1,656,207 for the maintenance program the Sky Safari was Chinese Weekly, The Spanish Herald and ZPB, which is an increase of 64% on the required to complete a ‘Load Test’ on its Radio Dhanak. previous year. This popular eco-tourism fifth year of operation. This involved loading

Opposite: Western Plain Zoo’s popular eco-tourism accommodation ‘Zoofari Lodge’ was relaunched in November after a $1.2 redevelopment. The renovations included the upgrade of its Main House along with adding five new-look lodges to take the total number of lodges to 12. our business enterprise

Other activities included: • Western Plains Zoo continued to support unplanned increases in labour costs, general Greater West Area Health’s ‘Adopt a community economic factors impacting • Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Doc’ program by showcasing the Zoo to on disposable income, the condition of collected outside both Zoo grounds, visiting medical specialists to demonstrate buildings and enclosures and the provision • Rotary Zoo Safari Fun Run held annually the lifestyle amenities available in Dubbo. of funding from public and private sources. at Western Plains Zoo, In recent times, global factors such as • Taronga and Western Plains Zoos’ staff Records Management international conflicts, medical emergencies, joined local volunteers to help remove and Archive Office declining tourism, terrorism and domestic 49 rubbish from surrounding areas as part The ZPB’s Records Office responded to situations, including drought, have also of Clean Up Australia activities, over 40 written and electronically submitted affected income. • ‘Backyard to Bush’ staff held a stall and requests from members of the public for The Zoological Parks Board of NSW The ZPB’s Risk Management Plan includes delivered workshops at the Early historical information. It also processed a a monthly review of income and expenditure Childhood Environmental Network number of internal requests. levels and the taking of appropriate Community Day at the Ku-ring-gai A major achievement of the year was the corrective action where necessary. It also Wildflower Garden, with over 300 restoration of the Edward Scorfield mural includes market-testing the provision of community members participating, ‘Two by Two’. This 79 year-old mural services to obtain the best practice service • Taronga Zoo hosted 50 ‘Joeys’ from the portrays animals emerging from the Ark on delivery for cost, undertaking capital Scouts Association who planted trees in their way to Taronga Zoo. Originally it was redevelopment programs at both Zoos and ‘Backyard to Bush’, used as a billboard at No. 2 Jetty, Circular the expansion of the ZPB’s commercial base • ‘Backyard to Bush’ hosted the NSW Quay, then Taronga’s former Safari Room including new product initiatives. The ZPB

Environment Coordinators from Scouts became its temporary home before it was is also insured against loss in key areas of Annual Report 2005 Australia as part of their National stored, then restored to now hang in pride its operations and assets including public Conference, of place in the new Taronga Food Market. liability, property and fidelity guarantee. • At the end of June, Taronga Zoo staff Thanks to generous donors, the photographic presented a combined Animals of the In accordance with the Treasurer’s Disaster and historical collection is growing, providing Dreaming and Bird Show each day during Recovery Plan to ensure key data retrieval much interest for staff and the public. NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal ability in the event of a disaster, the ZPB Islander Day Observance Committee), has also established a Risk Management Risk Management Steering Committee comprising • Western Plains Zoo commenced an The ZPB operates in a commercially representatives of the ZPB and its external on-going work experience program for a competitive environment and raises assessors, Richard Oliver International, group of prisoners from Yetta Dhinnakkal approximately 75% of its operating revenue which meets quarterly. The Internal Audit Correctional Centre, from its own sources. Committee, comprising representatives of • In addition, the Juvenile Justice Centre the ZPB, Ernst & Young and the Audit Office, in Dubbo continued to send inmates for The major risks relating to income generation meets regularly to review the internal audit work experience as part of the on-going and expenditure control include the weather, process and review risk management issues. program at the Zoo, and increases in commercial competition,

Top: Visitor to Taronga Zoo, Matthew Williams, was lucky enough to encounter a seal walking session during his visit in September.

PHOTO COURTESY GARY RAMAGE

Left: Phil Carr, Animal Food Prep Officer, Western Plains Zoo “I enjoy working at Western Plains Zoo as my job is both challenging and rewarding. I also like the friendly atmosphere and the ever-changing environment.”