Annual Report 2016 – 2017 Securing a shared future for wildlife and people celebrating 1�� years 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 3

A share� future  wildlife

At Taronga Zoo andpe Taronga �Westernple Plains Zoo, we believe that wildlife and people can share this planet. We believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just in our lifetimes, but for generations of the future. Our Zoos create experiences that delight and inspire lasting connections between people and wildlife. We aim to change lives and create conservation champions eager to engage with their communities to value the wildlife in their care, and around the world. Our activities range from resolving human-elephant conflict in Mozambique, to successfully breeding critically endangered Bellinger River turtles and transforming Australian school children into conservation champions. Our conservation breeding programs for threatened and priority wildlife help a myriad of species, from tiny vibrant Corroboree Frogs to Australasia’s first Greater One-horned Rhino calf. We work in partnerships to support 44 research and conservation projects across , and a further 25 programs around the globe. Our Zoos are not-for-profit organisations. We pay no dividends, and any surplus is put straight back into support, care and conservation of wildlife.

Sumatran Rhino Photo: Paul Fahy 4 YEAR IN BRIEF — 100 YEARS OF TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 5

1977 Western Plains Zoo opened to the public Opening day on 28th February 1927 1977 and was the first The Aquarium zoo in Australia to be 100 years opened 19 July 7 October 1916 constructed on the open range principle. 1989 In 1989 Taronga becomes a founding member of the International Rhino Foundation  tar�nga 1976 to assist with in-situ breeding The last elephant ride programs and anti-poaching 1940 was given in 1976, but for 1998 operations to conserve viable 1940s Official Illustrated many -siders, an Ngamba Island Sanctuary populations of rhino in the wild. Guide to Taronga Park elephant ride is a powerful Taronga helped establish Zoo and Aquarium and fond memory. a 100 acres sanctuary in Sydney, N.S.W. Uganda to care for orphaned chimpanzees that were rescued from poachers.

2008 2011 2003 Launch of Burbangana Sir David Attenborough Taronga releases the first Indigenous Awareness Program, Corroboree Frogs into visits Taronga Zoo giving young people in care 13 October 2003. disease-free enclosures in the opportunity to engage in Kosciusko National Park as activities in and around the Zoo. part of a breed for release program for the critically endangered species. Since then, 491 frogs have been released. 2009 Luk Chai was the first elephant calf ever to 2014 be born in Australia. Their Royal Highnessess, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were introduced to some of Australia’s unique and endangered wildlife at Taronga Zoo, officially opening the Zoo’s new Bilby exhibit named in 2006 honour of their son, Prince George. Five Asian Elephants arrive at Taronga from Thailand signifying the establishment of the first Conservation Breeding Program for their species in Australiasia. Endangered in the wild, this herd will play a crucial role in the conservation program and will go on to successfully breed at Taronga’s Zoos.

2011 Taronga announces a five year partnership with Jane Goodall to expand the Tchimpounga Rehabilitation Centre in the Congo, which cares for over 140 rescued or orphaned Chimpanzees that 2014 have been saved from the Taronga and TRAFFIC launch a world- pet and bush meat trades. first app, Wildlife Witness, allowing travellers to report illegal wildlife trade 2016 by taking a photo, pinning the precise centenary Taronga announces its Centenary location and sending the information Legacy Species commitment, to a Wildlife Crime Data Analyst. dedicating the next 10 years to celebrations the conservation of 10 critical Following timeline species – five native to Australia, 1916 - 2016/17 Zoo opening Photo: ?? Aquarium Photo: ?? Illustrated Guide Photo: ?? Elephant Ride Photo: ?? Western Plains Zoo Photo: ?? Rhino Photo: ?? and five on the brink of extinction Ngamba Island Sactuary Photo: ?? David Attenborough Photo: ?? Asian Elephants Photo: Rick Stevens Burbangana Zoo Photo: ??? Luk Chai Photo: in Sumatra. ??? Corroboree Frog Photo: Paul Fahy Jane Goodall Photo: ?? Duke & Duchess of Cambridge Photo: ?? Ivory Seizure Photo: E John Sun Bear Photo: Paul Fahy Steve Crane Photo: ?? 6 YEAR IN BRIEF — TIMELINE 2016/17 ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 7

April • The opening of the Centenary Theater and Taronga’s film Wild Squad Adventures marked a major milestone for Taronga and it’s ambition to engage a ‘wild squad’ of young June wildlife champions. • Taronga celebrated a Gold award at • The arrival of a female Southern Black Rhino January NSW Sustainability Advantage Awards, October calf, born 11 April 2017 at Taronga Western 2016/17Timeline recognising its outstanding environmental • 21 Bellinger River Snapping Turtles Plains Zoo was a significant success. The calf • Taronga Zoo celebrated its 100th birthday on 7th achievement and leadership. October 2016 marking a century of bringing people and hatched in the first ever breeding heralds the third generation of Black Rhino to wildlife together. More than 6,000 people were invited to program for the critically endangered be born in . • June 30th marked the final day in a record July join the ‘party of the century’ free-of-charge. species, the births followed an urgent breaking 12 months for Taronga, with • Taronga Zoo welcomed more than 7,000 people recovery program, led by Taronga, after over 1.9 million guests attending its two to its inaugural Eid Festival in 2016 along with • The Centenary Parade, a major highlight, saw Taronga an extreme demise in their number in Zoo’s the 2016/17 year had been the most community partner Crescent Wealth. EID recreate the journey through Sydney CBD taken by staff the wild. attended on record. celebrates the Islamic festival marking the end and animals from the original site at Moore Park to • The 22nd annual Twilight at Taronga of the Ramadan, bringing families together to the current site in Mosman 100 years ago. The Parade concert series launched on 27th January share feasting and fun. featured 10 giant lanterns representing the Legacy Species, supported by 450 staff and volunteers and 700 2017 and went on to record the highest • The first Taronga CEO Challenge to Sumatra, dancing school students children. The parade culminated number of attendees on record. Indonesia, took place. The event raised over at the steps of the . $1.2m for Taronga programs. • Taronga’s Burbangana and Walanmara programs were celebrated when a group of indigenous children and young people achieved the 490km Shoulder to Shoulder walk, arriving in Sydney in time with the centenary birthday celebrations.

May • Jai-Dee, the fourth Asian Elephant calf to be born at Taronga Zoo made his August arrival on 26th May, born to mother February Tang Mo, his arrival is another success • Three Short-beaked Echidna puggles hatched November for the regional breeding program. at Taronga Zoo. The first successful Echidna • Taronga Western Plains Zoo welcomed births in nearly 30 years. • The birth of the first Asian Elephant Calf born a female Przewalski’s Horse, born 22 • The second annual at at Taronga Western plains Zoo caused great February 2017. The foal was named Taronga Zoo commenced on 26th May • Taronga was the proud recipient of the excitement. The male calf was born to experienced Nuruu, recognising the ‘Khustain Nuruu’ and welcomed more than 100,000 San Diego Zoo Global 2016 Conservation mother Thong Dee on 2nd of November 2016 and national park in Mongolia where the guests over 23 nights to celebrate and Medal in recognition for its contributions was cubs, also born in Dubbo on 19 November Przewalski’s Horse remains wild today. support Taronga’s commitment to its to conservation. 2016, the Zoos second ever litter. Legacy Species. • Taronga Western Plains Zoo enjoyed • Taronga’s annual fundraising ball ‘Zoofari 100 a month of festivity - celebrating its – Celebrating a Centenary’ was a great success, 40th anniversary and winning Gold at raising over $700,000 for the Legacy Species. the Australian Tourism Awards for “Best Unique Accommodation” for the second consecutive year.

From left EID at Taronga Photo: Crescent Wealth Short-beaked Echidna Photo: Gary Ramage Giraffes Taronga Zoo 100th Birthday Photo: Rick Stevens Asian Elephant calf Sabai Photo: Rick Stevens Twilight at Taronga Photo: Maclay Heriot TWPZ 40th Birthday Photo: Daily Liberal Southern Black Rhino calf Photo: Rick Stevens VIVID Corroborree Frog Photo: Anders Alexander Sustainability Awards Photo: OEH 8 ABOUT TARONGA CONSERVATION SOCIETY AUSTRALIA — OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTION ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 9

Our vision is to secure a shared future for wildlife and people �ur Strategic Our strategic plan defines our unique role, and the way we contribute to wildlife Directi�n conservation, science and learning.

OUR VISION Securing a shared future for wildlife and people

OUR ROLE As leaders in conservation, we protect wildlife and empower people to secure a sustainable future for our planet Conservation Engage and Outcomes Influence

Wildlife in Excellence in Our Care Conservation STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS Education

Transformational Guest Experiences

People and Centenary Organisational Capital Plan Strength KEY ENABLERS

Financial and Environmental Sustainability

Symbol Symbol (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) (Giraffa camelopardalis) Opened Opened October 1916 February 1977 Site Site 28 hectares 788 hectares Animals Animals Asian Elephant Calf Number of Animals: 4,363 Number of Animals: 883 Photo: Rick Stevens Species/sub-species: 359 Species/sub-species: 114 10 YEAR IN BRIEF — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 11

EXECUTIVE �irectOr  Chairman’s

TheChief 2016/17 yearExecutive’s was one for the history Rep books.� rt TARONGARep� ACHIEVEDrt ITS HIGHEST ADMISSIONS Taronga celebrated its centenary milestone in style with ON RECORD AND SUPPORTED WILDLIFE, HABITATS all its supporters and the people of . AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE. It was a spectacular Our purpose as educators was a major focus for Taronga this year year across all pillars with the development of quality education facilities and experiences. It was a great honour Taronga continued its global field work, supporting conservation of the organisation, The Taronga Centenary Theatre opened in March to provide valuable and privilege to be the projects in 21 countries. Our resourcing of wildlife protection programs most notably the insights into our field programs and promote behaviour change. chairman of Taronga in in countries such as Indonesia protected animals from poaching and areas of community Construction commenced on the Taronga Institute of Science and its centenary year and illegal logging activities and enabled vital ecosystem assessments to be engagement Learning which looks likely to be completed on time in 2018 and to see how this historic conducted in Sumatra’s national parks. organisation has evolved and education. finished to the highest standards. The illegal wildlife trade is the second biggest threat to species survival. and matured since its Taronga’s Wildlife Witness smartphone app was featured at leading Taronga Zoo marked Educational value on site was further increased with the opening inception 100 years ago. its 100th birthday on of the Savannah Safari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in December conservation conferences around the world during the year. The app 7th October 2016, 2016. We will soon be providing Zoo guests with more of these Over 1.9 million guests has had over 11,000 downloads, resulting in direct interventions to serving up surprises for enriching experiences as work on the new Taronga Tiger Trek in Sydney attended our two Zoos protect many species across Southeast Asia. during the year, including an unprecedented number of international its giraffes, elephants and more than 6,000 guests who attended the nears completion. Meanwhile, Taronga’s world-class work in conservation science Zoo free-of-charge at what was dubbed the ‘party of the century’. Then guests. These record attendances are testament to Taronga’s The release of the Taronga Zoo App was a major step forward in guest achieved significant outcomes in Australia. We were privileged to save one week later the Taronga Centenary Parade re-enacted the historic growing reach, popularity and reputation throughout NSW, Australia engagement. This mobile tool not only helps people navigate the zoo, a small colony of critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtles journey when zoo staff moved Taronga’s animals through the streets and the world. but also inspires and involves children in wildlife conservation through from almost certain extinction due to an unknown and devastating of Sydney to relocate from its original site at Moore Park to Mosman the Wild Squad program. Safari Live provided another valuable online Taronga’s expanding digital assets and online services have been virus. Whilst our research scientists collected 643 billion coral sperm 100 years ago. The parade brought central Sydney to a standstill as ten experience, connecting 3000+ students to the field in South Africa important factors in our success this year. Online ticket sales increased from the Great Barrier Reef this year as we continue to hold the world’s giant sculptures representing Taronga’s ten legacy species, 450 staff where they tracked and learnt about the animals of the savannah. by more than 140% over the twelve months, enabling us to grow our largest bank of frozen coral cells and gametes. and volunteers, and 700 dancing children retraced the footsteps of community and providing new opportunities to engage with guests Taronga made major headway this year in terms of our own one hundred years ago and shone a light on Taronga’s future pledge Our achievements did not go unnoticed this year with Taronga receiving before and after their zoo visits. for the wild. many awards for its products and projects. Both Zoos were awarded environmental footprint. A solar power system was installed at the gold partnership status under the NSW Office of Environment and Our conservation science and breeding programmes also achieved Dubbo site to help reduce energy consumption in the new Savannah Another historic journey took place in September as fifteen young Heritage’s ‘Sustainable Advantage’ program. Taronga is only the some significant milestones during the year. Taronga continued its Visitor Plazaand upgrades to water systems and pumping equipment walked 490 kilometres from Dubbo to Sydney. second government institution to have achieved this leading status. decade-long involvement in the recovery of the endangered Regent are expected to reduce water usage across both sites by up to 30%. The Shoulder to Shoulder walk allowed these young people to Honeyeater. Following one of the program’s best breeding seasons Taronga Western Plains Zoo won gold at the NSW Tourism Awards, I recognise the contribution and support of the Hon. Gabrielle Upton, reconnect with country and find strength in the knowledge of what ever, we celebrated the release of 101 zoo-bred birds into the iron-bark taking out the Best Attraction and Unique Accommodation categories. Minister for Environment and Heritage and her predecessor, The Hon. they can achieve. The walk reinforced and celebrated the close links forests of northern Victoria. between Taronga’s Burbangana and Walanmarra youth programs To me, however, the real champions of our Centenary year were the Mark Speakman MP. I would like to thank the members of the Taronga and the NSW Department of Family and Community Services. people of NSW, including Taronga’s many members, sponsors and The birth of the first Asian Elephant Calf at Taronga Western Plains Board for their support and assistance over the past 12 months and, supporters. I would like to thank you all for your unwavering support Zoo was cause for great excitement. Dubbo also welcomed a female of course, all our dedicated employees and volunteers at Taronga who Other major events during the year included the first Taronga Eid which made all the year’s achievements possible. Southern Black Rhino calf, three cheetah cubs, four lion cubs, a have so many accomplishments to be proud of this year. Festival, the Zoofari 100 Fundraising Dinner, Dreamnight, Vivid Sydney Przewalksi Horse and a healthy hippopotamus calf. at Taronga, Access Taronga, the Taronga CEO Sumatra Challenge I would especially like to thank our dedicated Board, employees, and and Twilight at Taronga. Reflecting our mission to bringing wildlife volunteers for celebrating Taronga’s Centenary year with us. I hope you For the first time in almost 30 years, Taronga Zoo in Sydney celebrated and people together, these events have been critical in building and all have lasting memories of a fantastic year. the birth of three short beaked Echidna puggles at its new Echidna broadening Taronga’s community and supporter base for the next breeding centre. Other notable births included a pygmy hippo and an elephant calf, the fourth to be born at the Sydney site. Both of these 100 years. Steve Crane births play a vital role in the national and global breeding programs to Chairman We continue to respond to the changing expectations of how good protect their species. zoos should be caring for and presenting wildlife. As a leader in this space, Taronga has developed an ethical framework for displaying the animals in our care with dignity and respect. Animal Welfare Cameron Kerr remains our highest priority and numerous activities were undertaken Executive Director and Chief Executive to embed best practice throughout the organisation.

From left Cameron Kerr Photo: Rick Stevens VIVID Parade 2016 Photo: Quentin Jones 12 YEAR IN BRIEF — CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 13

Christmas Island Christmas Island Flying Fox health, ecology and conservation Cardwell Cassowary conservation with Girringun Aboriginal Corporation

Great Barrier Reef Preserving and growing coral for future restoration

Bellinger River conservati�n Recovery of the Bellinger science  River Snapping Turtle Sydney Strzlecki Desert Nutrition balance Taronga’s work in conservation science encompasses the Development of scent-based and glider behaviour key disciplines of wildlife health, nutrition and behaviour, management tool for Dingoes conservationaustralia biology, ecology and population viability. and other wild dogs in Australia Since 2011, the Taronga Conservation Science Initiative has leveraged over $1.2 million in philanthropic donations to garner almost $7 million in scientific grants. This has enabled our scientists to address knowledge gaps in the science of biodiversity and increase understanding of the biology of wild species and their role in ecosystem health and resilience. Western NSW Taronga is also leading investigations into zoo animal welfare Key Greater Bilbies protection science and in situ crises affecting threatened species and their Research with support for predator- habitats and assessing the impact of its education initiatives on Sydney Oceans free sanctuary with Australian Kosciusko National Park community conservation actions. Conservation Program Satellite tracking of marine Wildlife Conservancy Southern Corroboree Frog breeding and re-introduction turtles released from From left Taronga Wildlife Hospital Flying Fox Photo: Jane Hall Dingo Photo: Unknown Photo: Paul Fahy Corroboree Frog Photo: Paul Fahy Photo: Rob Dockerill Southern Cassowary Photo: Rick Stevens Great Barrier Reef Coral Photo: unknown Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Photo: Paul Fahy Marine Turtle Photo: unknown 14 YEAR IN BRIEF — CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS WORLDWIDE TARONGA 100 15

Monitor and track Przewalski horse harems and model their habitat use

Mongolia

Nepal

Pangolin protection Population Assessments Vietnam Nicuragua with Save Vietnam’s and Conservation Genetics Wildlife of Fijian Iguanas

Uganda Conservation of Black- Republic of Sumatra handed Spider Monkeys Conservation of the the Congo Kenya through increased critically endangered South East Asia Papua New Guinea habitat connectivity Peru San Martin Titi Tanzania Java and the education of Monkey through local communities community initiatives Fiji and wildlife rangers Southern Africa Conservation Partnership for Lion, Zebra, Giraffe, Wildlife Witness - Combating Zimbabwe African Elephant in Kenya with Northern illegal wildlife trade for greater Rangelands Trust Australia protection of wildlife around the world, including Sun Bears, Brazil rhinoceros and elephants Rhino protection with South Africa International Rhino Foundation

New Zealand

C�NSERVATION Conservation Brazil Nepal Tanzania Protecting Tapir with Intituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas Monitoring Fishing Cat population numbers Monitoring African vulture populations

Costa Rica New Zealand Vietnam Conservation of the Costa Rican Sawfish Protection of Fiordland Penguins with Tawaki Coalition Pangolin protection with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife and its critical habitat  COMMUNITY Nicuragua Zimbabwe Guatemala Conservation of Black-handed Spider Monkeys through Support anti-poaching units for painted dog Conservation of the critically endangered alligator lizard increased habitat connectivity and the education of conservation in Hwange National Park Abronia campbelli through habitat restoration and local communities and wildlife rangers community forest management Community Conservation Program Papua New Guinea PROGRAMS Indonesia, Java Monitoring the effectiveness of protecting the Australia Monitoring Silvery Gibbon populations and educating Matschie's Tree Kangaroo in YUS Conservation Area Wildlife Witness - Combating illegal wildlife trade for local communities on their conservation with the Silvery greater protection of wildlife around the world, including Gibbon Project Peru Sun Bears, rhinoceros and elephants Conservation of the critically endangered San Martin Titi Taronga’s conservation science programs support wildlife, Indonesia, Sumatra Monkey through community initiatives Uganda habitats and communities across the globe. Rhino protetion with International Rhino Foundation Beads for Wildlife - Supporting people and wildlife in WORLDWI�E Republic of Congo Northern Kenya through alternative incomes and anti- Each year, we directly contribute over $500,000 to conservation Supporting Wildlife Protection Units in Bukit Tigapuluh Conservation Partnership for Chimpanzees poaching patrols partnerships and field grants, while our overall commitment to field National Park with Australian Orangutan Project (Tchimpounga Sanctuary) with Jane Goodall Institute From left conservation in terms of staff time, facilities and support exceeds Conservation Partnership for Asian Elephants in Way South Africa Research Black-Handed Spider Monkey Photo: Ally McMillan $4 million annually. Kambas National Park (Sumatran Elephant Sanctuary) Testing the exclusion capabilities and durability of the Fiji Photo: Ally McMillan Sharksafe Barrier Population Assessments and San Martin Kenya This work is vital to the identification and reduction of key threats Conservation Genetics of Fijian Iguanas Giraffe Photo: Rick Stevens Conservation Partnership for Lion, Zebra, Giraffe, South East Asia Prezewalski Horse Photo: Mandy Turner to endangered and priority species, the protection of important African Elephant in Kenya with Northern Rangelands TRAFFIC - Stopping wildlife trade with TRAFFIC Sumatran Rhino Photo: Paul Fahy wildlife habitat, and the support of healthy communities. From Trust Papua New Guinea to Vietnam, and Zambia to Indonesia, Taronga Southern Africa Pangolin Photo: Unknown Mongolia Conserving Southern Africa’s free ranging cheetah Sun Bear Photo: Bobby Jo Clow works with global conservation experts in the field to secure a Monitor and track Przewalski horse harems through Farmer: Predator Conflict Mitigation. Fijian Banded Iguana Photo: Gary Ramage shared future for people and wildlife. and model their habtiat use 16 YEAR IN BRIEF — VISITATION SNAPSHOT ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 17

VISITATION snapsh�t Guest ticketing mix

Total Visitation Total visitation (million people) Guest ticketing mix

11% General Admission % 12/13 1.706m 3 Zoo Friends

11% 13/14 1.687m Paid Education* Free of Charge Total 14/15 1.716m Free of charge total (excluding zoo friends) 5% (excluding Zoo Friends)

15/16 1.839m Overnight Stays** 56% Other*** 16/17 1.931m 14% *Includes ‘paid’ and ‘other’ education m 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 ** Roar and Snore, Zoofari, Billagong Camp ***Twilight, Vivid, Wild Ropes, Functions Origin - TZ

Origin of guests – Taronga Zoo Origin of guests – Taronga Western Plains Zoo 1%

7% NSW – Sydney NSW – Sydney International International 15% Interstate 25% Interstate NSW – Other NSW – Other

41%

44%

38% 30%

Guest attendance 2015/16 2016/17 Variance Variance % Consolidated result Paid attendance (1) 1,437,784 1,463,996 26,212 1.8% Paid and FOC* attendance (2)(3) 1,838,992 1,931,258 92,266 5.0% Taronga Zoo Paid attendance(1) 1,211,406 1,267,546 56,140 4.6% Paid and FOC attendance(2) 1,578,890 1,667,891 89,001 5.6% Taronga Western Plains Zoo Paid attendance(1) 226,378 228,092 1,714 0.8% Paid and FOC attendance(3) 260,102 263,367 3,265 1.3%

* FOC - Free of charge 1. Includes Zoo Friends, paid education and overnight stays. 2. Includes function guests and Twilight Concert and Vivid attendees at Taronga Zoo. 3. Includes function guests at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

VIVID Photo: Anders Alexander 18 YEAR IN BRIEF — FINANCIALS SNAPSHOT ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 19

Total Assets

Total Assets ($m)

12/13 432.23m

13/14 485.50m FINANCIALS 14/15 489.50m 15/16 498.93m

16/17 552.71m Sources of income for Taronga programs m 300 400 500 600 snapsh�t Admissions Income $43,006 - 33% Trading Sales and Franchise Revenue $13,374 - 10% NSW Government Recurrent Grant $14,770 - 11% NSW Government Capital Allocation $15,053 - 12% Other (including Sponsorship and Foundation) $42,955 - $33% Total Income Total income ($m) Sources of income for Taronga programs

Admissions Income $43,006 12/13 86.45m Trading Sales and 33% 33% Franchise Revenue $13,374 13/14 89.90m NSW Government Recurring Grant $14,770 14/15 98.67m NSW Government 15/16 106.33m Capital Allocation $15,053

Other (incl Sponsorship 16/17 129.16m 12% 10% and Foundation) $42,955 m 0.25 0.5 1.0 1.5 % Recurrent resources employees - Taronga 11 Wildlife... 146.03 = 26.58% Marketing... 79.02 = 14.38% People.. 21.72 = 3.95% Corporate...25.23 4.59% Property... 90.97 19.56% TWPZ 142.89 26.01% Guest... 43.54 7.93%

total 549.40 100% Allocation of recurrent resources to expense types Allocation of employees by Taronga division*

Employee Expenses, 7.93% Wildlife Conservation including Superannuation and Science 146.03 26% $45,960 26.58% Marketing Commercial Depreciation Write Down and Fundraising 79.02 of Assets $21,152 % 26.01% People, Culture 42 Trading cost of sales and Learning 21.72 1% $3,765 Corporate Services % 7 Marketing Expenses and Governance 25.23 $4,024 4% Property Infrastructure Maintenance $7,615 14.38% and Operations 90.97

.56% % Finance Costs $860 16 Taronga Western % .95% 2 19 .59% 3 All Other Expenses 4 Plains Zoo 142.89 Guest Experience $26,886 Policy Education and Community Programs 43.54

Expenditure on capital development and maintenance Expenditure on capital development and maintenance Total cost of Social Policy Program activities

Conservation and Preservation 12/13 12.52m 23% of Threatened and Endangered 26% Species $2.817m 13/14 16.76m Conservation and Preservation of Biodiversity $2.305m 14/15 14.75m Public Education and Awareness Programs $3.104m 15/16 20.63m Collaborative Species Conservation and Management 16/17 45.17m 29% 22% $2.450m m 10 20 30 40 50

Greater Bilby Photo: Rick Stevens 20 STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS — CONSERVATION OUTCOMES ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 21

C�nservation

Outc�mes Clockwise from left Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Actively participate in wildlife conservation Photo: Paul Fahy Plains-wanderer chick initiatives that ensure the long-term security Photo: Corrine Symons Short-beaked Echidna of wildlife in sustainable eco-systems and habitats Photo: Gary Ramage

Key achievements Recovery of the Regent Honeyeater Taronga’s Wildlife Witness program Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana New Sanctuary at Birth of First Asian Elephant Calf Taronga continued its decade-long Taronga’s Wildlife Witness program Taronga completed a hugely successful Taronga Western Plains Zoo The birth of the first Asian Elephant calf involvement in the recovery of the was featured at the IUCN Conservation 18-year-long project to conserve the Work began on a new Sanctuary at Taronga at Taronga Western Plains Zoo caused Regent Honeyeater, a flagship species Conference in Hawaii, the US Association critically endangered Fijian crested iguana. Western Plains Zoo to be dedicated to the great excitement. The Zoo also welcomed for woodland biodiversity that is bred at of Zoos and Aquariums annual conference This has seen the eradication of conservation of endangered native species. a female Southern Black Rhino calf, the the Zoo and released to the wild every in San Diego and the World Association and Pacific rats from Monuriki Island in With funding from Taronga’s Legacy 13th Black Rhino calf born as part of the second year. This year was one of our best of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) annual Fiji and the relocation of iguanas to a Species commitment and $1.6m in donor Zoo’s internationally renowned breeding breeding seasons ever and, in April 2017, we conference in Mexico. This promotion led captive breeding program in Kula Eco Park. support, the 110-hectare site will house program for this critically endangered celebrated the release of 101 zoo-bred birds to zoos pledging over $100,000 to support Taronga’s Terrestrial Ecologist was the recovery programs for endangered NSW species. Meanwhile, Dr Benn Bryant, Senior into the box iron-bark forests of Chiltern Mt TRAFFIC South East Asia’s enforcement studbook keeper for the program. In 2017, species such as the Plains-wanderer, Regent Veterinarian of Taronga Western Plains Pilot National Park in Victoria. program, the backbone of the Wildlife the last 38 captive-bred iguanas and all the Honeyeater and Greater Bilby. Zoo, is working with a team from Cincinnati Witness program. original founders were successfully released Zoo on an assisted reproduction program Bellinger River Snapping Turtles on the island. for Sumatran Rhinos. In 2016, the entire insurance colony Corals from the Great Barrier Reef of critically endangered Bellinger River Taronga continues to drive initiatives for Botswana Predator Conservation Trust Snapping Turtles was transferred to a the cryopreservation of corals from the Taronga and the Botswana Predator newly-built, quarantined facility at Taronga Great Barrier Reef. Our research biologists Conservation Trust ran a five-month pilot Performance Indicators Zoo to protect it from a virus. Four of the collected 643 billion coral sperm during the study to test whether painting eye patterns Target Definition 2016/17 five mature females produced eggs in the most recent spawning season, representing on cattle could deter attacks by first year, resulting in 22 hatchling turtles. 60 individual coral colonies and nine coral and other ambush predators. The iCow Wildlife Conservation 100% Percentage is assessed via the 50% The Australian Wildlife Registry of Health, species. Four of these species were new to project aims to develop a cost-effective, Wildlife in Taronga’s care has an Animal Population Assessment identified and communicated role Tool. based at Taronga, continues to investigate our bank, making it the world’s largest bank non-lethal means of preventing livestock in conservation. the cause of the virus and monitor the of coral cells and gametes. predation and retaliatory attacks on wildlife remaining turtles in the Bellinger River by farmers. The technique proved 100% catchment system. successful with no painted cows being killed by predators during the testing period. 22 STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS — WILDLIFE IN OUR CARE TARONGA 100 23

Key achievements WILDLIFE CARE Echidna Breeding Facility New Squirrel Monkey Taronga Zoo For the first time in nearly 30 years, three Walkthrough Experience Taronga’s Wildlife Conservation and Short-beaked Echidna puggles were Science Division continued to focus on A new Squirrel Monkey walkthrough successfully hatched at Taronga. Thanks providing inspiring and transformational experience was built by Taronga’s trades to the generous gift of a donor, we were experiences for zoo guests and on the staff, with design and documentation able to build an echidna breeding facility breeding of recovery and ambassador provided by internal stakeholders. This for the puggles, two of which survived species in line with Taronga’s project was a great opportunity to to adulthood. The youngest was born conservation goals. showcase the skills, capacity and dedication to mother ‘Pipta’, the last Short-beaked of our in-house teams. The new exhibit Echidna to be hatched at Taronga in 1987. has been well received by the public who Significant Births are now enjoying the closer viewing of our Other significant births at our Zoos this Squirrel Monkeys. year included the first elephant calf to be New Experiences born at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Construction of our new Tiger Trek an Asian Elephant calf in Sydney, three Experience is nearing completion and will Cheetah cubs, four male lion cubs, a female be operational in August 2017. At Taronga Przewalski’s Horse foal, and a healthy Western Plains Zoo, work commenced on hippopotamus calf to experienced mother our new Lions Exhibit and the Taronga Cuddles at Dubbo. Institute of Science and Learning. The Lion Successful Marine Life Rehabilitation project is forecast to open in late 2017 and Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital, Sydney, the Institute in mid-2018. Taronga also successfully rehabilitated and released completed extensive repairs to one of the multiple marine animals affected by containment moat structures at the Tiger anthropogenic and natural events this exhibit while a number of animal exhibits at In February 2017, Taronga welcomed a year. Species included: green turtles; Taronga Western Plains Zoo received new Pygmy Hippopotamus calf. The female, hawksbill turtles; loggerhead turtles; little standoff fencing and landscaping. Kamina, is the first hippopotamus calf to be penguins; northern Rockhopper penguins; born at Taronga since her mother Kambiri Paid Nutrition Consulting Services red-tailed tropic birds; Australian pelicans; in 2010. Both dam and sire are first-time This financial year, Taronga offered black-winged petrels; Australasian gannets; parents and Kambiri is doing an exceptional paid nutrition consulting services for the red-footed boobies; white terns; sooty job raising her calf. This successful birth first time and entered into a contract terns; white-bellied sea-eagles; and a long- is highly significant for this endangered with Vetafarm Manufacturing Pty Ltd nosed fur-seal. Nineteen marine turtles species. Pygmy Hippos are found in only to formalise the collaboration between were admitted to the hospital: six were four countries in Western Africa, with only our organisations. This agreement successfully rehabilitated and released to 2,000-3,000 remaining in the wild and a entitles Taronga to discounted prices the ocean and seven remain in care. regional insurance population of only on all products and a licensing fee on five individuals. Dignity and Respect collaborative products sold to any third In May 2017, Taronga celebrated a new We continue to see changes in community party. Vetafarm has been working with addition to Sydney’s Asian Elephant herd expectations of how good zoos should be Taronga’s Nutritionist for over three years with the successful birth of a male calf to caring for and presenting wildlife. Taking a on collaborative products such as rodent mother Pak Boon. This male is the cow’s lead role in this space, Taronga has developed breeder cubes, rodent worm-out cubes, second calf following the birth of female an ethical framework for displaying the echidna mix and floating bird pellets. Tukta in 2010. A textbook birth followed animals in our care with dignity and respect. a brief labour: the calf was on his feet Taronga’s CEO was invited to present within half an hour and suckling within Wildlife on this subject this year at the regional two hours. The calf’s name, Jai Dee, is zoo association workshop and the World Thai for ‘good heart’ and was chosen Association of Zoo and Aquarium Welfare by a long-term donor to Taronga’s Asian Symposium at Detroit Zoo in the USA. Elephant breeding program. Jai Dee is the fourth calf born at Taronga Zoo and is a  �ur care very important addition to the region’s Be a leader in the care conservation breeding population of this Performance Indicators endangered species. and presentation of wildlife, Metric Definition 2016/17 The Corroboree Frog program had a Positive Animal Welfare 100% Assessment is conducted of the 97% productive year with a successful breeding Wildlife at our Zoos are wildlife on site. ZAA accreditation season for both the Northern and Southern providing positive welfare, independently assessed as being will be used until the Taronga Tool varieties of the critically endangered in a positive welfare state. is created and implemented. amphibian. In the first half of 2017, Taronga Zoo undertook two reintroductions dignity and respect for all Positive Animal Welfare 5 Incident is assessed as avoidable 6 Number of avoidable anmal by the Taronga Animal Welfare of Southern Corroboree Frogs to Kosciuszko welfare incidents. Committee. National Park as part of the species recovery program. In March, 300 juvenile Positive Animal Welfare 100% Actions are implemented within 100% Southern Corroboree Frogs were released Animal welfare incidents are 24 hours to begin to address into 12 disease-free enclosures in the remediated within 24 hours. a welfare incident or negative park. Eight of these were part of the 16 welfare assessment is addressed. enclosures recently constructed by the NSW From left Wildlife Rehabilitation 1000 Number of cases treated at TZ and 954 National Parks and Wildlife Service with Gorilla mother and infant Photo: Rick Stevens Number of wildlife TWPZ. funding obtained by Taronga Zoo from rehabilitation cases. Meerkat mother and pup at Taronga Photo: Bobby Jo Clow the Federal Department of Environment. 24 STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS — EXCELLENCE IN CONSERVATION EDUCATION TARONGA 100 25

ExcelLence  Conservation

IncreaseE�ucation participation and inspire action for the wild through innovative and authentic education programs

Shoulder to Shoulder Photo: Rick Stevens

Key achievements Education Taskforce Convened New Accredited Tourism Courses with education professionals, and position Project Habitat Builds Awareness for its protection such as tree planting, An Education Taskforce was convened The Taronga Training Institute (TTI) Taronga as a trusted source of educational and Drives Behaviour Change nest box building, habitat clean-up as part of the detailed operational delivered several new accredited tourism resources and inspiration. TTA members Project Habitat commenced in 2015 and bush regeneration. An integral part planning for the new Taronga Institute courses at major NSW tourist facilities such have access to events, resources and with support from Boeing Australia. The of the Taronga Education strategic plan, of Science and Learning. Comprising as the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Art opportunities for professional learning program targets NSW communities to build Project Insitu has had a tangible impact senior members of the school, vocational Gallery of NSW. The courses contributed in the areas of Science and Technology, awareness and drive behaviour change for on communities across the state, education and training and university to the development of more than 300 STEM, Geography and the cross-curriculum habitat restoration and wildlife protection. generating action and support for sectors, the Taskforce worked with Taronga volunteers across the industry and provided areas of Sustainability and Aboriginal This has been successfully achieved 13 threatened species. team members to identify opportunities valuable guidance on transitioning to paid Histories and Cultures. through an increase in community to increase student engagement with employment in the tourism and community participation led by our Zoomobile through National Geographic WildEarth TV Taronga, and develop quality education service sectors. attending over 12,000 tree planting days, Taronga Education partnered with National programs for delivery by the new institute. running bush regeneration days resulting Performance Indicators Certificate III in Captive Animals Geographic WildEarth TV to connect over in the removal of two hectares of exotic 2 015 / 16 2016/17 First Series of Student Workshops Following a successful pilot program in 4000 students from NSW schools to the weeds and educating approximately Taronga staff developed and delivered 2016, the TTI continued its interstate wilds of South Africa. Through a captivating Total visitation* 1,838,992 1,931,000 43,000 people in the Greater Sydney workshops to complement undergraduate delivery of the Certificate III in Captive stream hosted by Taronga’s Hayden Turner, region on how to care for our wildlife and Students visiting on a school excursion university study in anticipation of the Animals in partnership with Zoos Victoria the students experienced a ‘real time’ jeep their environments. Taronga Zoo 98,018 96,627 opening of its new institute in 2018. Some and Perth Zoo. This program contributes to ride searching for wildlife, learned about Taronga Western Plains Zoo 9,650 8,926 256 students participated in the first series skills development and in the Animal Care animal trails and faecal samples and had Taronga’s Project Insitu reached of workshops with a further 37 students and Management industry. their questions answered by the WildEarth more than 10,000 Students People participating in Public / Outreach education programs 44,733 51,621 completing work placements at Taronga. team. Feedback from this educational Taronga’s Project Insitu reached more than Taronga Teachers Association Taronga Zoo & Taronga Western Plains Zoo Another 30 postgraduate students experience showed high satisfaction. 10,000 students across metropolitan and Taronga Teachers Association (TTA) undertook Masters and PhD research remote New South Wales. Participants *Total Visitation (Paid admissions and FOC) includes the following: Membership was reconfigured at the end projects at our two Zoos with co-supervision undertake a common task of raising (1) Zoo Friends, paid education and overnight stays. of 2016 in order to capture and connect (2) Function guests and Twilight Concert attendees at Taronga Zoo. by Taronga staff. awareness in their local community for (3) Function guests at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. a chosen species and taking direct action 26 STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS — TRANSFORMATIONAL GUEST EXPERIENCES ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 27

Key achievements Record Guest Admissions Taronga’s Youth at the Zoo Program Both Zoos saw record guest admissions Taronga’s Youth at the Zoo (YATZ) this year (over 1.9 million) thanks to program also focuses on diversity and our Centenary promotions, successful inclusion, providing volunteering and social accommodation products and our largest opportunities for special needs youth. Our Twilight and Vivid attendances ever. YATZ mentors were crucial to the success International guest numbers at Taronga of this initiative, providing quality Zoo were also unprecedented. leadership and support for these young Transf�rmational people. YATZ members also played an Taronga Zoo’s New Guest App important role in our campaign activation, Taronga Zoo introduced a new guest holiday programs, Vivid events and as experience app, helping guests navigate ambassadors within their schools and the Zoo more easily, notifying them of communities. They assisted with the launch daily events and incorporating interactive Guest Experiences of the Wild Squad program and worked activities for children. Some 10% of closely with our Bird Division on its largest Attract an increasing number of visitors installed the app on their phones release of Regent Honeyeater. (compared to industry norms of 5%). guests to our Zoos and inspire action Digital Infrastructure Upgrade Wild Squad App Launched We began the complex process of We launched Wild Squad, a new initiative upgrading Taronga’s digital infrastructure through experiences that increase to engage, inspire and involve children in as part of our transition to cloud-based wildlife conservation. Our new Taronga App IT systems. Tenders were sought for our includes fun, educational and interactive knowledge and change people’s Ticketing Replacement Project which will Wild Squad Missions featuring our 10 be a game-changer for Taronga, impacting Legacy Species. attitudes and behaviours on how we do business and engage with Taronga Centenary Theatre Opens our customers. Overall, the technology In March, the Taronga Centenary Theatre upgrade will increase our bandwidth and opened with a screening of Wild Squad online capabilities in line with industry Adventures, a bespoke film for children and standards. Taronga’s online Zoo shop was Clockwise from left their families highlighting some of our key also moved to a cloud-based web host Echidna and Student during the year, improving online security conservation activities, including breeding Photo: Rick Stevens and release programs and the treatment and the customer experience. of injured wildlife. Centenary Theatre Award-Winning Photo: Anders Alexander 200 Families Participate Taronga Western Plains Zoo won gold in VIVID at 2017 in Taronga Access Initiative two categories at the NSW Tourism Awards Photo: Rick Stevens Taronga Access is a special day in November 2016, taking out the Best developed for children with autism and Attraction and Unique Accommodation their families. The zoo opens early for categories. The Zoo and its famous Zoofari participants, minimising the impact of Lodge also won coveted accommodation noise and enabling a more achievable categories at the 2016 Qantas Australian and meaningful experience for all. Special Tourism Awards and the LUX 2016 Hotel activities and calm zones are some of the and Spa Awards. strategies implemented by Taronga and our partner Autism Spectrum Australia. Over 200 families have now participated in the initiative for which the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Performance Indicators 2015/16 2016/17 Satisfied guests as measured through satisfaction surveys Taronga Zoo 92% 91% Taronga Western Plains Zoo 79% 82% Complaints per 1,000 guests(1) Taronga Zoo 0.19 0.14 Taronga Western Plains Zoo 0.49 0.62

(1) Calculation excludes event and function guests at both Zoos. 28 STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS — ENGAGE AND INFLUENCE TARONGA 100 29

Key achievements 100th Birthday Celebrations Taronga Foundation’s Taronga Zoo celebrated its 100th birthday Annual Fundraising Ball on October 7 2016, serving up surprises for With the theme ‘Zoofari 100 – Celebrating its giraffes, elephants and more than 6,000 a Centenary’, the Taronga Foundation’s Engage  guests to mark a century of bringing people annual fundraising ball was a huge success, and wildlife together. The lucky guests raising over $700,000 for Taronga’s won their free tickets to the ‘party of the Australian Legacy Programs. Over 450 century’ via a ballot which attracted more supporters attended the sold-out event. than 100,000 entries. NSW Environment They had the opportunity to meet some of Influence Minister Mark Speakman and Governor of Taronga’s friendly Australian animals in the Engage, grow and mobilise NSW joined Taronga CEO Cameron Kerr Backyard to Bush precinct before enjoying at the Zoo’s historic entrance building to an evening of dancing and celebration. cut the ribbon and officially launch the ANZ Support and our members, supporters and birthday festivities. Continued Commitment networks to achieve positive The Centenary Parade Highlight Event ANZ supported Taronga’s celebrations in The Centenary Parade was a highlight of the second half of 2016 as the Presenting the Centenary year. Taronga recreated Partner of Taronga Zoo’s centenary year. outcomes for wildlife the historic journey taken by zoo staff and This support included sponsorship of animals from the original site at Moore the Wild Bunch collectibles series which Park to the new site at Mosman a century featured in The Daily Telegraph and ago. The Parade brought central Sydney Sunday Telegraph, the 100th Birthday to a stand-still as 15,000 people gathered Party and the Centenary Parade. ANZ to watch 10 giant sculptures representing further extended its financial support Taronga’s 10 Legacy Species, 450 staff to the 2017 Twilight at Taronga concert and volunteers and 700 dancing children series, demonstrating this partner’s retrace the footsteps of one hundred years continued commitment to Taronga’s ago, culminating at the steps of the Sydney conservation endeavours. Opera House. The event received significant Vivid Sydney and Twilight coverage, generating more than 1,000 Evening Events media stories. 2017 has seen Taronga increase its Two-Day Eid Festival community engagement via evening Taronga Zoo joined with community events. This second year of participation partner Crescent Wealth to host its first in Vivid Sydney saw a host of new Eid Festival in 2016, celebrating the end sculptures and lighting creations installed of the Ramadan fasting period. The two- at the Zoo and an increase in overall day festival featured international food attendances of 20%. Meanwhile, the 2017 offerings, information stalls, entertainment Twilight at Taronga concert series achieved and presentations of Taronga’s community the greatest number of ticket sales in its conservation programs, attracting more 22-year history with over 31,000 guests than 7,000 members of Sydney’s Islamic coming through the gates. communities. Raise Your Palm Program Online Ticket Sales Continue to Grow Taronga developed Raise your Palm, a Taronga recorded its highest number community conservation program aimed at of online ticket sales with an increase leveraging community action and support of more than 140% on the previous year. for a sustainable palm oil industry. The Online sales continue to grow Taronga’s new Sumatran Tiger precinct will include community and provide opportunities a digital supermarket, informing Zoo guests to better engage with guests before and about specific supermarket products, their after their zoo visit. manufacture and retail, in order to promote Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.

VIVID Parade 2016 Photo: Quentin Jones 30 KEY ENABLERS — PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONAL STRENGTH ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 31

Key achievements Fostering Workforce Diversity Learning and Development Team Taronga continued to foster diversity The Learning and Development team in its workforce, working with the OEH provided 201 new Taronga employees to improve our Aboriginal Employment with a holistic induction as part of our new and Multicultural Strategies, and our eLearning onboarding program. This covers Disability Action Plan. We were finalists safety, sustainability and animal welfare in the Indigenous Employment category at Taronga zoos and includes face-to-face of the Australian Human Resource Institute orientation sessions with the Executive pe�ple  (AHRI) Awards. We delivered Aboriginal team. Another 223 Taronga employees Cultural Awareness Training to 284 completed the Animal Welfare at Taronga employees to increase their understanding eLearning module during the year, and of the complex history, culture and we launched Leading the Wild, a new challenges within the Indigenous management development program for �rganisational Australian community. our current and aspiring leaders. Volunteer Recruitment Enterprise Risk Management Policy Taronga recruited the highest number of Our Enterprise Risk Management Policy volunteers in the history of its volunteering was revised in line with key government Strength program, including 241 Keeper volunteers risk management policies, principles and and another 668 for Vivid Sydney at guidelines to help safeguard Taronga’s Support and enable our people Taronga Zoo and our Centenary Parade. financial and organisational strength. This involved the review of Taronga’s major Safety Performance strategic risks, and the identification of to achieve Taronga’s vision and We continued to measure and monitor appropriate controls and risk plans. our safety performance during the year, strategic objectives in line with legislation, best practice and Development of an Information key deliverables outlined in Taronga’s and Digital Technology Strategy 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. Elements Progress was made on the development included health, mental health and safety of an Information and Digital Technology training, safety in design, and hazard and strategy to align with the Taronga Strategic risk management. We saw a 43% decrease Plan 2016-2020. A new Head of IDT in the frequency of lost time injuries in the position was created in late 2016 and 2016/17 financial year with zero lost time the IT team was restructured to include injuries recorded by contractors onsite. Delivery (Projects) and Operational (IT Ops) No safety improvement or infringement teams. Urgent infrastructure projects were notices were imposed on Taronga during commenced and support provided for new the financial year. business system implementations. A broad IDT strategy is now being developed for Transition to New GSE Legislation roll-out, with engagement workshops due Taronga was required to achieve full for completion by end of September 2017. Government Sector Employment (GSE) Act compliance in February 2017, at Implementation of a New IT the end of the 3-year transition period Service Desk Management System to the new legislation. This included A new IT Service Desk management compliance in recruitment, temporary system was implemented to streamline Top down contract engagement rules, performance troubleshooting and enhance prioritisation management, management of misconduct and end-user support. We also delivered Engaging Guests and the installation a new approved a new online collaborative project Indigenous Interps Executive structure. As part of the management tool for use by teams across Marine Mammals Team process, a new Performance Development all Taronga’s non-capital works projects. Framework was developed for the implementation of employee agreements and performance reviews as well as the provision of skills training and work performance workshops for employees.

Performance Indicators 2015/16 2016/17

Severity Rate Lost time injury frequency / workplace accidents for both zoos 5.99% 3.88%

Staff Turnover Taronga Zoo 10.70% 9.03% Taronga Western Plains Zoo 10.90% 3.26%

Taronga 100th Birthday Photo: Rick Stevens 32 YEAR IN BRIEF — FINANCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 33

Key achievements Record-Breaking Year Workshop and Zoofari Lodge. This will � for Taronga’s Retail Operations help Taronga achieve its strategic goals Taronga’s retail operations had a and 2020 sustainability targets (a 10% record-breaking year, achieving sales of reduction in carbon footprint and a 20% FINANCIAL over $5.85m. In addition to achieving reduction in electricity consumption) these strong financial results, the Retail and help us achieve our 2025 target of team focussed on staff development, carbon neutrality. demonstrating Taronga’s values through New Solar Photo Voltaic System its stock selection and the provision of A solar photo voltaic system was installed exceptional guest service and support. ENVIR�NMENTAL at the Dubbo site in December 2016 to Zoos Awarded Gold help reduce energy consumption in the In 2017, Taronga Zoo and Taronga Taronga Western Plains Savannah Visitor Western Plains Zoo were both awarded Plaza. The solar panel system spans 456m² gold partnership status under OEH’s and will provide an estimated 150,000kWh SUSTAINABILITY ‘Sustainable Advantage’ program, a year, with estimated annual savings of Continuous improvement in recognition of our environmental around $20,000. achievements, leadership and strong Water Usage Reduction commitment to operating in a manner and integration of financial Upgrades to water pumping equipment, that is environmentally attuned. Taronga mains and irrigation systems at Taronga is the 11th organisation, and the second and environmental Western Plains Zoo this year are expected government institution, to achieve this to reduce water usage across the site by up leading status. sustainability to 30%, while achieving a 20% reduction Waste Diversion Target in the electricity used for water pumping Taronga continues to strive for its target purposes. An integrated control system of 90% waste diversion by 2025. To allows staff to control the pumps and this end, Taronga Western Plains Zoo water levels remotely, supplying river has entered into a new waste contract water for all non-potable uses in the Zoo with Cleanaway to come into effect including moats, wash downs, fire services in September 2017. Opportunities for and irrigation. additional waste diversion have been Strategic Procurement Initiatives identified along with a need for greater During the year, Taronga commenced education and improved reporting and strategic procurement through Category accountability. Food waste constitutes up Management Principles. Procurement to 20% of the overall waste generated at supported the development and both sites and its diversion from landfill will implementation of sourcing strategies be given increased emphasis in the new for the Catering Services contract (due financial year. to be awarded in July 2017), major 2020 Sustainability Targets sponsorship tenders including icecream A recent energy audit identified that and banking services, and other contracts voltage optimisation (VO) at Taronga across the broad spectrum of Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo would reduce both operations, including production services electricity consumption and financial for the second year of Vivid and major costs, and mitigate Taronga’s carbon IT projects. Sustainable Procurement dioxide emissions. It is estimated that initiatives have also been initiated its implementation will result in a 77% as part of Taronga’s commitment to electricity/carbon saving at the Admin/ environmental sustainability.

Performance Indicators 2 015 / 16 2016/17

Direct Government support per visitor (including contribution for capital development) (1) Taronga Zoo $10.31 $14.62 Taronga Western Plains Zoo $18.59 $33.40 Operating expenses per visitor (Excluding Taronga Foundation) Taronga Zoo $53.66 $55.72 Taronga Western Plains Zoo $72.71 $83.93 Capital expenditure per visitor Taronga Zoo $9.56 $22.36 Taronga Western Plains Zoo $12.50 $31.48 Taronga Foundation fundraising revenue $12.96m $21.07m

(1) Calculation excludes Twilight concert attendees at Taronga Zoo and function guests at both Zoos. VIVID Regent Honeyeater Photo: Anders Alexander 34 KEY ENABLERS — CENTENARY CAPITAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT 2016–2017 TARONGA 100 35

Pridelands African Lion Adventure Taronga created an outstanding animal Our exciting new lion exhibit is under experience this year with the construction Capital Works construction and is scheduled for of our new walkthrough Squirrel Monkey completion towards the end of 2017. The exhibit, built largely by Taronga’s in-house and Project Planning new precinct will include a Massai Village, a facilities teams. Taronga Zoo unique range of animal encounters and an Taronga Western Plains Zoo exciting ranger-led tour into the Lion Exhibit Centenary Theatre Development Taronga Western Plains Zoo saw the in a purpose-built safari vehicle. The new Centenary Theatre was completion of major infrastructure completed and opened in March 2017 by Wild Herds projects during the year. These included NSW Premier, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian Plans for the new Wild Herds exhibit are upgrades to the river pumping mains centenary MP and Environment Minister, The Hon. progressing well, with the project due for water lines and irrigation controller Gabrielle Upton MP. The NSW Premier told delivery in latter half of 2017. The new system to reduce water and electricity the audience at the opening that adding exhibit will offer ungulate encounters and consumption. Work continued on projects the theatre would provide visitors with a deer feeding and improve visitor circulation to enhance our security and safety systems, valuable insight into Taronga’s behind-the- through the precinct. including our onsite security and fire scenes conservation and field work. management practices. capital plan The African Waterhole Deliver the Centenary Capital Plan Tiger Trek and Overlook Cafe Asset upgrades projects included Taronga’s new Tiger Exhibit opened Design development has commenced on improvements to exhibits, back-of-house on time and on budget to secure in August 2017. This major exhibit will a major upgrade of the existing food and areas and landscaping at Zoofari Lodge. deliver a strong choreographed message beverage facility located at the halfway The proactive upgrades of our animal on Taronga’s role in conserving the point on the zoo circuit. The project will stand-off visitor fences continued with the Taronga’s position as a leading endangered Sumatran Tiger population. include the construction of a new cafe, Cheetah and Tiger fences now replaced. Taronga Institute visitor amenities, picnic facilities, children’s conservation and nature of Science and Learning waterplay, landscaping and carparking. Heritage Asset Management Construction commenced on the Taronga The extensive capital works program at the tourism organisation Institute of Science and Learning after Sydney site has required the coordinated its approval as a State Significant management of the Zoo’s heritage values Development in 2016. The institute will be a as a cultural landscape. Our Design teams global centre of excellence in conservation Facilities and are working with our Heritage Project science and learning. Manager to retain heritage items and Infrastructure heritage values in areas affected by Taronga Wildlife Retreat the works. and Australia Habitat Asset Maintenance Taronga Zoo The Zoo’s heritage items are managed in The Taronga Wildlife Retreat and Australia line with the Heritage and Conservation Habitat project will revitalise the existing Asset Management An upgrade of Taronga’s computerised Register and a suite of conservation Australia Habitat precinct and give visitors asset management system is underway to management documents. These a new immersive experience of Australia’s streamline the reporting and classification documents continue to be reviewed in native fauna, flora and the local Indigenous of maintenance activities, and assist with line with maintenance activities and the culture. The Taronga Wildlife Retreat will forward planning and response to reactive capital works program. Several items on wrap around a native wildlife sanctuary. maintenance requests. the heritage register have recently been The State Significant Development demolished or removed as part of the Application has been approved by the NSW Critical Infrastructure capital works. An archival record of this Department of Planning and Environment, New hydrant system elements were structure was prepared and is being lodged with construction scheduled to commence installed to meet future requirements. The in public repositories. Taronga archives were in late 2017. design was also completed for additions also relocated as part of this project. and improvements to emergency paging African Savannah and Congo and CCTV systems. Horticulture To be jointly funded by the NSW The end of Taronga’s centenary Savannah Safari TWPZ Government and Taronga, this New automation systems were installed for celebrations saw floral displays in full bloom Photo: Rick Stevens development will include extensive the seawater and freshwater life support at the Lower Entrance, the Moore Park improvements to existing exhibits and systems at the Great Southern Ocean and Aviary and the famous Floral Clock. public areas. The revitalised exhibit will Wild Asia precincts, as well as for the Water deliver multi-species habitats, including a Treatment Plant. Bush Regeneration works continued with new lion breeding facility and an expanded help from Corporate Volunteers, Bushcare savannah for giraffes and zebras. The Sky Safari groups and Horticulture staff in several main construction works are scheduled to Additional safety and risk reviews were areas of the Zoo and along the foreshore. undertaken for the Sky Safari cable Key achievements commence in early 2018. A second phase The team continued its busy schedule Savannah Safari Tour and Taronga Centenary Theatre Taronga Institute car, including a structural review of the of this project will involve the construction of grounds maintenance, responding Pridelands African Lion Adventure Taronga completed the construction of of Science and Learning towers and cable car safety by Taronga’s of a lush forest exhibit for our growing to the changing conditions created by Capital works continued at Taronga the Taronga Centenary Theatre in early The Taronga Institute of Science and Learning independent engineer. gorilla family. construction works. Western Plains Zoo. Launched in December, 2017 showcasing our own immersive short commenced construction in late 2016. Animal Exhibit Works 2016, the Savannah Safari Tour features film to engage people around wildlife The project is forecast to open in mid 2018. Routine maintenance and preventative purpose-built safari trucks that carry conservation issues. Taronga Western Plains Zoo Completion of Extensive Repairs compliance inspections of animal exhibits visitors through the Zoo’s African Savannah Tiger Trek Experience Taronga completed extensive repairs of one Savannah Safari continued throughout the year, along exhibit. The $9 million Pridelands African Construction of the new Tiger Trek of the containment moat structures at the The Savannah Safari project was with upgrades to improve the welfare Lion Adventure will also offer guests a Experience is nearing completion and will Taronga Western Plains Zoo Tiger exhibit. successfully delivered in late 2016. It of Taronga’s animals and enhance the heart-pumping safari-like experience when be operational in August 2017. Installation of new standoff fencing and includes the Savannah Safari experience, visitor experience. it opens in late 2017. landscaping was completed to a number a safari vehicle tour of the exhibit, featuring of animal exhibits at Taronga Western giraffes and various species of antelope Plains Zoo. and ostrich. Please support our work. You can visit us, become a member or make a donation. For more information go to taronga.org.au Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation and community education. Cover: Southern Corroboree Frog Photo: Lorinda Taylor Back cover: VIVID lanterns designed and built by Ample Projects taronga.org.au