ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING May 2016

RZSS Annual General Meeting 2014 1 01 Notice of Annual General Meeting 02 Draft minutes of the 102nd AGM 06 RZSS trustee nominations 08 Proposed membership and subscription rates NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 103rd Annual General Meeting of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) will be held in the Education Lecture Theatre at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 25 May at 7pm. RZSS President, Mr John Spence CBE, will preside.

Business a) Adoption of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 20 May 2015 b) Matters arising c) Presentation and adoption of the 103rd Annual Review d) Presentation and adoption of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 e) Re-appointment of the auditors f) Resolution on membership subscription rates g) Election of members to the executive board h) Chairman’s report of developments since 1 January i) Vote of thanks

Note Admission to the Annual General Meeting will be strictly on the proof of payment of membership for 2016 and members are asked to have their membership cards for inspection on entering the Education Lecture Theatre. Please enter the Zoo through the members’ gate. Following the completion of the business section of the Annual General Meeting, there will be a short talk by John Spence CBE, outgoing President of RZSS. During this talk the board will convene to carry out its statutory business and then will rejoin the members for refreshments.

Annual General Meeting 2016 01 DRAFT MINUTES

Draft minutes of the 102nd Annual General Meeting of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, held in the Budongo Trail Lecture Theatre of RZSS Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 20 May 2015 at 7pm.

Present Introduction c) Presentation and adoption of the 102nd Annual Review John Spence (President) The meeting commenced at Sandy Batho 7pm with a welcome from the Jeremy Peat (Chairman) was George Brechin President, John Spence, to the proud to report that 2014 had Kerry Falconer 102nd Annual General Meeting. been another good year, building John Fitzgerald on a hugely successful centenary Colin Galbraith (Vice Chair) John Spence confirmed that all year. JP thanked the staff and Karen Jervis members present had received volunteers of RZSS for all their Tessa McGregor a voting slip on arrival. There had hard work, focus, professionalism Tom Mitchell been four nominations received and achievements across Christine Patch for three board vacancies. the board in each and every Jeremy Peat (Chair) department. JP explained that Natalie Waran John Spence reported the sad 2014 had been a year where Roger Wheater death of two members of the the Society had returned to its Society – Dick Balharry MBE, roots, renewing our focus on And 87 members who was a conservationist, writer, the fundamental priorities of of the Society and wildlife photographer, and conservation, education and also Mrs Margaret Peggie (Patron). research. To this end we agreed a JS brought members’ attention re-branding of the Society which Apologies to a typographical error on page we see as flexible for the years 8 of the AGM pack. It should ahead but in line with our key Mary Bownes read “RZSS Trustee Nominations priorities. We have made major Peter Budd 2015” and not “RZSS Trustee progress in fostering external links Sheila & Richard Burtles Nominations 2014”. and relationships, having signed a Douglas Hutchison memorandum of understanding Stuart Monro In alphabetical order, the trustees with the University of Edinburgh Andrea Nolan present at the meeting introduced and another recently with Royal Peter & Anne Roberts themselves to the meeting. Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Iain Valentine National Museums Scotland. John Wotton We are also working closely Business with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a) Adoption of the minutes of the as well as the Royal Society of Annual General Meeting held on Edinburgh, Our Dynamic Earth Tuesday 20 May 2014 and the Cairngorm National Park Authority. Such links not The minutes were proposed only demonstrate our status as by Tom Mitchell, seconded by a major Scottish conservation George Brechin and adopted organisation, they also help to by the meeting. demonstrate our engagement with the whole of Scotland. In addition to our two parks, b) Matters arising we have the Scottish Beaver There were no matters arising. Trial in Argyll, wildcat work in the Highlands, the Wild about Scotland bus just about everywhere, and of course, a keen interest in rewilding and telling the story wherever we can about Scotland, its wildlife and much more.

02 Annual General Meeting 2016 At RZSS Highland Wildlife Park the IT system at the Zoo and the Park. e) Re-appointment of the auditors team has worked exceptionally A third board member, Sandy long and hard against the weather Batho, Chair of the Nomination Tom Mitchell extended his to create the marvellous home & Remuneration Committee, gratitude and that of the board for Victoria, our new female is standing for re-election. and the Society management polar bear, and also for our snow to Henderson Loggie for leopards and the Amur leopards JP also mentioned that our their hard work and support. coming soon. So far as visitor President, John Spence, has Henderson Loggie tendered and facilities are concerned, the new indicated that this will be his last were successful five years ago. kitchen is now in operation, as is year in office. He will preside over Normally a further tender exercise the Oystercatcher Café and the the 2016 AGM and by then we would have taken place in 2015; new toilet block. A new IT system will have found a replacement. however, due to changes in is being rolled out across the Zoo accounting standards and FRS102 and the Park, and is largely in being introduced this year, we place at the Zoo. d) Presentation and adoption of felt that it was less disruptive the financial statements for the to permit a year of transition. Generally our external wings year ended 31 December 2014 Therefore TM explained that a continue to spread. RZSS is active tendering process for auditors at Budongo, in the Pantanal, John Spence invited Dr Tom will take place in 2016. South East Asia and more Mitchell (Honorary Treasurer generally combatting the illegal and Chair of the Audit & Risk Tom Mitchell proposed that wildlife trade. Management Committee) to Henderson Loggie be re- present the financial statements. appointed for one year and Back at the Zoo, the rejuvenation TM took the opportunity to thank Christine Patch seconded this of the front entrance was James Stewart and the Finance proposal, which was agreed. critical and now it sits alongside team for the work they had the splendid plaza and the undertaken during the year. meerkat enclosure. We also saw f) Resolution on membership developments on the big cat TM reported that performance subscription rates front and whilst we were sad to in 2014 was strong, reflecting see the departure of the much the high level of donations and Tom Mitchell reported that the loved jaguars, animal welfare legacies during the year. The constitution requires any change had to come first. visitor numbers at both sites to members’ subscriptions to were in line with expectations, be laid before the AGM. It was Among new arrivals to the although below the 2013 explained that we were seeking management team were level. However, we did not agreement to increase the rates Deborah Newman (Head of experience the extent of post of subscription with effect from Business Operations and Visitor panda slump that many other quarter one 2016. Proposed Experience), Chris Fancy (Head of zoos have experienced. Income increases were from 1.6% to Communications and Partnership) increased by 2% to £15.8 million, a cap of 3.3%. and Leigh Morris (Director of even though 2013 included Community Conservation). the centenary dinner and the The meeting was also asked Leigh Morris will present while European Association of Zoos for agreement for the board the votes are being counted. and Aquariums conference. TM to approve specified reductions explained that the target for 2015 in the membership rates from JP explained that two highly is to sustain the visitor numbers time to time. respected trustees are standing achieved in 2014, but concluded down at this AGM. Colin Galbraith that the weather and animal The increases and discount has served as Vice Chair for three births both play significant parts. proposals were both proposed years and also chaired most ably by Tom Mitchell, seconded by and effectively the Scientific Tom Mitchell proposed the George Brechin, and agreed Advisory Committee. Christine adoption of the accounts, by the meeting. Patch has been on the board Roger West seconded and for eight years and added much this was agreed. value over that time with her wise counsel on marketing, business matters and, most recently, as the board’s eye on the critical ‘IVES’ project to re-jig the whole of our

Annual General Meeting 2016 03 DRAFT MINUTES

g) Election of members to the h) Chief Executive’s report of The Budongo Conservation Field executive board developments since 1 January Station will celebrate ten years of RZSS involvement in September, John Spence explained there John Spence introduced Chris and we are delighted that Velu the were three trustee positions to be West to the meeting to give a chimp was born in its namesake filled by election and confirmed report on recent developments – the Budongo Trail – last June. that one current board member within the Society. CDW took had been nominated and was the opportunity to thank staff, There were also exciting eligible for re-election. In total, volunteers and supporters and developments at the Highland four nominations had been he paraphrased Winston Churchill Wildlife Park with the arrival of received and biographical details by stating that we know we have Victoria the female polar bear, and supporting statements had a long way to go, but this is the who we plan to introduce to been published in the papers end of the beginning and not one of our males early next for the meeting. John Spence the beginning of the end. year. Snow leopards and Amur reported that each candidate leopards will also be introduced would have an opportunity to CDW reported that Tian Tian to the Park due to a restricted introduce themselves and talk had conceived for the third donation from a most to the meeting. Voting slips had time and fine tuning had generous cat lover. been distributed and members been carried out in light of were asked to vote for up to three the previous attempts. We had CDW was pleased to report candidates. Graham Scott (Board a new exhibition, Dinosaurs that membership of the Society Secretary) was to act as presiding Return!, which was designed was growing, new systems officer. Sandy Batho, Dr Deborah to appeal to the child in us all are being introduced and face Long, Professor Alan Miller and and also to draw connections to face recruitment has been Rosemary Newlands were then between the dinosaurs and other introduced for the first time. asked to address the meeting. species in the collection. Other new developments at Edinburgh Changes planned at the Zoo Members were then asked Zoo included Wallaby Outback, include moving the Barbary to complete and return their our walkthrough exhibit. macaques to the Steller’s sea ballot papers. Meerkat kits at Meerkat Plaza eagle enclosure. The sea eagles and a crowned lemur baby have may return to the collection in After the counting had been delighted visitors to the Zoo. Both future if we have a suitable facility. concluded, Graham Scott re- lemur and pelican walkthroughs Our sun bears need to be part entered the meeting to announce are also planned, with late June of a breeding programme and that Sandy Batho, Deborah openings scheduled. therefore a second enclosure Long and Alan Miller had been would be required for a female. successfully elected to the Looking further ahead, we need Board. John Spence thanked all to upgrade our rhino facility candidates for standing and took if we are to be able to breed the opportunity to thank Colin rhinos at the Zoo. Galbraith and Christine Patch for their contribution to the board.

04 Annual General Meeting 2016 CDW also explained that a i) Vote of thanks Tribal Elders programme is underway. This is a series of John Spence took the events to highlight the wealth opportunity to thank Chris West, of conservation knowledge management, staff, the board and experience around us, and volunteers for their hard and to pass this knowledge on. work and commitment to the Society and wished them all The President then invited continued success. questions: There being no further Since our aquarium is shut business, the meeting was would we ever consider a declared closed. partnership with Deep Sea World and will we be replacing The new board left the AGM the Hilltop Safari transport? to hold a short meeting at CDW responded that we have which the Chair and Vice Chair no plans for replacing the would be elected. At the same aquarium, but we could possibly time Leigh Morris (Director feature fish in our collection of Community Conservation) planning; we have regular gave a short presentation to conversations with other the meeting. visitor attractions. With regard to the Hilltop Safari, CDW explained that the vehicle could have become dangerous. Transport in the Zoo is under consideration and we require an alternative. There is no pedestrian access signage on the main driveway. CDW explained that we had recently widened the access of the main drive, but we still need to install signage.

Annual General Meeting 2016 05 RZSS TRUSTEE Peter James Budd John Fitzgerald NOMINATIONS Proposed by: George Brechin Proposed by: Natalie Nickelson Biography Biography Peter is a Director of Arup A lifelong interest in wildlife and chairs the group within led John to take a BSc honours the company which takes degree in Zoology at University responsibility for global alliances College Dublin, before embarking with partners in the Greater China on five years of post-graduate and ASEAN region. He recently research into fish physiology at completed 47 years of service Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory. with the company. His fascination with animals continues to a lesser extent with Arup is an independent the three cats and a 22-year-old firm of designers, planners, snake that share his house. engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering Brought up in Dublin, John a broad range of professional has lived in Scotland since 1989 services. Founded in 1946, the and for most of the last 20 company employs over 12,500 years has worked for financial technical staff worldwide. services companies in Scotland, spending the last 13 in Human Peter has had extensive Resources. John gained a CIPD experience of working globally post-graduate qualification in HR and is recognised internationally from Napier University and is now as a China specialist; his a chartered fellow of the CIPD. first projects in China were In 2010, he joined Standard Life constructed in the early 1980s Investments as Head of Reward in Shanghai and Dalian. Arup to manage the pay, bonus has offices throughout Asia: and incentive arrangements seven in China, as well as major for over 1,600 employees operations in India, Indonesia, who are mostly UK-based, Vietnam, the Philippines, but with smaller populations Singapore and Thailand. Many of in 16 other countries. the world’s leading infrastructure and building projects have been In 2012, John was elected designed and delivered by Arup. to the RZSS board. In the four years since, he has tried always Peter served as Deputy Chairman to make a positive contribution. of the China-Britain Business Capitalising on his career Council (CBBC) for six years and experience, he sits on the remains actively involved in their Nomination & Remuneration activities. He is a fellow of the Committee and also represents 48 Group Club, an independent the Board on the IVES project, business network committed to which is implementing improved promoting positive relations with technology at the Zoo and China, and received their lifetime the Park, particularly across achievement award in 2013. membership, admissions and retail. Peter is an advisor to the British Government on trade matters John has been a member of and has served on a number RZSS since 2003, a patron since of trade development groups 2010, and a life member since reporting to Ministers. He is 2015. He is married to Natalie a member of the Court of the who volunteers with the Zoo’s University of Edinburgh and a gardens team and they are trustee of the Royal Zoological frequent visitors to both the Society of Scotland. Zoo and Park. Supporting statement Supporting statement I joined the board to use my My science background and Chinese and political relationships employment history have to deliver Tian Tian and Yang given me the skills to analyse Guang to Edinburgh. I’ve complex issues, work with key supported project delivery, e.g. stakeholders and reach informed the reworked penguin pool, and strategic decisions within mobilised my network to secure an appropriate governance sponsorship, e.g. with Jaguar framework. I’m passionate about Land Rover. There is much to do RZSS and would continue to to shape and support a robust, work committedly on the board sustainable RZSS to educate and to ensure RZSS remains a centre delight future generations. I have of excellence, and that the Zoo much to offer and it would be and Park develop as ethical an honour to continue to serve. attractions that successfully contribute to the revenues required to fund our research and conservation work.

06 Annual General Meeting 2016 George D Reid Professor Roger Wheater Proposed by: Maria Dorrian Proposed by: Carol Barrett Biography Biography George was educated at the Roger has served on the board University of Glasgow, graduating since 2011. He chaired the with an honours degree in Centenary Working Group in Botany. He was employed by 2013, sits on the Nomination & the City of Dundee District Remuneration Committee and Council to initially assist and attends meetings of the Scientific then manage its indigenous Advisory Committee. He was wildlife collection and education named a Tribal Elder in 2015. programme. He held this post for 17 years with considerable In his working life he was Director breeding success and a massive of Uganda National Parks and education and environmental Director of RZSS from 1972 to appreciation programme 1988. He has chaired over 35 throughout the schools and organisations and committees, colleges of Tayside and central including BIAZA, EAZA and Scotland. Camperdown Wildlife WAZA. A council member of the Park became the largest paid for Zoological Society of London, visitor attraction in the city under he chaired the Zoo board and his tenure. was also a Vice President. He has consulted on zoo, wildlife George was contracted to work and environmental issues in with local radio station Radio Uganda, Oman, Indianapolis Tay and presented Nature Watch and Johannesburg. for over six years. He carried out a variety of media undertakings As Deputy Chairman of SNH with the BBC and Independent he chaired the Access Forum, Television, as well as local and the Beaver Working Group and national news print. the Tourism and Environment Forum. He was Chairman of the George headed up the National Trust for Scotland from commercial management of 2000 until 2005 and has served Dundee FC for two years and as President of the Scottish was extremely successful in Wildlife Trust and a trustee of raising sponsorship for the Dynamic Earth. Roger is currently club. He also handled the PR President of the Tweeddale and marketing for Lions Club Society and a trustee of the International (UK) and secured Tweed Foundation. two years of joint promotion with GMtv’s Get Up and Give He was awarded the William Campaign, raising millions of Thyne Scholarship in 1975, pounds for selected charities an OBE in 1991 for services as well as the profile of lesser to conservation, and made known charities. Honorary Professor by the University of Edinburgh in George has managed, trained 1993. He received an honorary and developed pharmaceutical doctorate from the Open sales teams for multinational University in 2004. Roger has companies, and has developed received achievement awards his own restaurant and from UK, European and global accommodation business zoo organisations, has been in west Wales, creating the awarded honorary fellowships national tourism award winning by RSGS and RZSS, and is a Glangwili Mansion. fellow of the RSE, RSB and RSA. He has been Chairman of Roger is married with two the Carmarthenshire Tourism children and two grandchildren. Association for five years and was appointed by the Minister Supporting statement for Business, Enterprise and Since joining in 2011 I have Science to the Tourism Advisory enjoyed contributing to the Board of the Welsh Government. deliberations of a board of trustees that has been able to Supporting statement reverse many difficulties that I will bring a wealth of skills faced the Society at that time. aligned to a background in zoo My experience in the zoo management and development, world and in conservation in alongside a variety of other the wild has given me a real sectors. I possess forward understanding of the issues thinking and strategic planning that face us. I believe that I can skills gleaned from a number of contribute to the work of this previous roles. I have a lifelong Society through my continued enthusiasm for the natural world membership of the board. and appreciate the role of wildlife collections in the preservation and conservation of wildlife, and the role that RZSS has to play in the visitor economy of the region.

Annual General Meeting 2016 07 PROPOSED MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Resolution on members’ subscriptions The constitution requires any change to members’ subscriptions to be laid before the AGM. a) We are seeking your agreement to increase the rates of subscription with effect from quarter one 2017. It is intended to increase the members’ subscriptions broadly in line with increases to the Zoo entrance charge.

The proposed maximum subscription rates are:

Category 2016 2017 Increase

Adult £63.50 £65.00 2.4% Joint adult £99.50 £102.00 2.5% Child £31.50 £32.00 1.6% Student £47.00 £48.00 2.1%

AL member £875.00 £875.00 0% JAL member £1,225.00 £1,225.00 0% Senior adult £660.00 £660.00 0% Senior joint £930.00 £930.00 0%

b) We seek your agreement for the board to approve specified reductions in the membership subscription rates from time to time.

This brochure is printed on Cyclus, the world’s most environmentally friendly paper. Cyclus is comprehensively certified: Blue Angel eco-label, EU Ecolabel, ISO 14001 and EMAS. Using waste paper rather than timber to manufacture pulp/raw paper reduces energy consumption by 80%. The energy used to produce Cyclus comes from biomass (woodchip), which is burned in a boiler to produce steam and electricity. The biomass is utilised as green energy. Biofuel greatly reduces CO2 emissions during production. ECCM calculates that Cyclus Print has a CO2 footprint of 428kg CO2 per ton, which includes all CO2 values from raw material manufacture, up to and including distribution of the finished product.

08 Annual General Meeting 2016 designed and produced by blood creative www.bloodcreative.co.uk