Zoological Gardens Board
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Zoological Gardens Board annual report 2002 Mission Statement To advance the conservation of wildlife and change community attitudes towards the preservation of life on earth. In line with State Government requirements, Perth Zoo’s Annual Report is published in an electronic format (replacing the previous printed publications), with limited use of graphics and illustrations to help minimise down load times. Perth Zoo encourages people to use recycled paper if they print a copy of this report or sections of it. For the convenience of readers and to minimise down load times and print outs, Perth Zoo’s 2001-2002 Annual Report has been presented in sections, as well as the entire document. Zoological Gardens Board (Perth Zoo) Annual Report 2001-2002 © Zoological Gardens Board 2002 ISSN 1446-2486 (On-line) ISSN 1444-7363 (Print) This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes if an acknowledgment of the source is included. Such use must not be for the purposes of sale or commercial exploitation. Subject to the Copyright Act, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system or transmission in any form by any means of any part of the work other than for the purposes above is not permitted without written authorisation. Information about this report and requests and inquiries concerning reproduction should be addressed to: Debra Read, Media and Communications Manager. Perth Zoo, 20 Labouchere Road, South Perth, WA, 6151 Telephone: (08) 9474 0383 Facsimile: (08) 9474 4420 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au Front cover: Perth Zoo’s male Sumatran Orang-utan, Hsing Hsing. Photograph by Bob Litchfield. Statement of Compliance FOR THE YEAR ENDED 21 MAY 2002 The Hon. Dr Judy Edwards MLA Minister for the Environment and Heritage In accordance with Section 66 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, we hereby submit for your information and presentation to Parliament the Annual Report of the Zoological Gardens Board for the financial year ended 21 May 2002. The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985. Professor J Howell Mr J Kerr President Member 26 August 2002 26 August 2002 Important Note During 2001-02, a new Act governing the operations of Perth Zoo was passed by Parliament. The Zoological Parks Authority Act came into operation on 22 May 2002. As the Act established a new authority, replacing the former Zoological Gardens Board, two separate annual reports must be published for 2001-02. This first report covers the operations of the Zoological Gardens Board from 1 July 2001 through to 21 May 2002. The second report covers the operations of the new Zoological Parks Authority from 22 May 2002 through to 30 June 2002. For the convenience and benefit of readers, the Reports on Operations in both annual reports include details of activities and events for the full year, with each report highlighting material or significant events for each governing body. Where possible or appropriate, the Report on Operations includes data (visitation numbers etc) for the two separate reporting periods. ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2002 1 Contents Page No President’s Report...........................................................................................................................................3 Zoological Gardens Board ..............................................................................................................................4 Chief Executive Officer’s Report .....................................................................................................................7 Chief Executive Officer’s Report on Compliance with Legislation..................................................................9 Corporations Supporting Conservation ........................................................................................................10 Overview........................................................................................................................................................11 Objectives ..........................................................................................................................................11 Background........................................................................................................................................12 Perth Zoo Structure ...........................................................................................................................14 Report on Operations....................................................................................................................................15 Highlights ...........................................................................................................................................16 Life Sciences and Conservation........................................................................................................17 Research............................................................................................................................................24 Business Operations..........................................................................................................................28 Reports on Equity and Access .....................................................................................................................40 Performance Indicators .................................................................................................................................43 Financial Statements.....................................................................................................................................59 2 ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2002 President’s Report Perth Zoo maintained its strong conservation focus during 2001-02 whilst reviewing its structure and operations to ensure the organisation remains a pre-eminent educational, research and tourism facility. The professionalism of staff and volunteers and the organisation’s commitment to continual improvement were once again reflected in very high visitor satisfaction levels and industry recognition. As with other zoological organisations around the world, the role and operations of Perth Zoo have changed dramatically over the years. The modern Perth Zoo is a multi-faceted operation of international standing with a broad scope of activity in conservation, research, scientific investigation, education, cultural activities and recreation. However, this change was not reflected in the organisation’s outdated enabling legislation. During the year, new legislation governing the operations of the Zoo and reflecting the modern role of the organisation was passed by Parliament. The Zoological Parks Authority Act 2001 acknowledges the broad role and functions of today’s Perth Zoo including its work in breeding and research programs for the preservation of threatened and other species, in public education and awareness programs, and as a provider of recreational services and facilities, as well as scientific and technical services. The legislation also recognises the importance of collaborative and cooperative arrangements with external government and non-government organisations, allowing for business arrangements and partnership opportunities with bodies such as Cooperative Research Centres. Importantly, the new legislation reflects the modern regulatory environment in which the Zoo operates, and recognises relevant contemporary legislation such as the Financial Administration and Audit Act and the Public Sector Management Act. The Board, which gains an additional member under the new Act, welcomes these changes as they provide a solid and realistic foundation for the organisation as it charts a course for the next 20 years. During the year, organisational changes were progressed to position the Zoo for the challenges ahead. Preparations were made to bring the sponsorship and fundraising operations, which have sat with the Perth Zoo Society, into the Zoo structure and under the guidance of the Board. Over the years, the Trustees and staff of Perth Zoo Society have made an outstanding contribution to Perth Zoo through their successful management of sponsorship and fundraising programs. I am pleased that some of the Trustees have volunteered their time to serve on the newly-formed Fundraising Committee which will be working closely with the Zoo and the Board on future public fundraising campaigns. Attracting external funding is a key issue for the organisation and will be a major challenge for the Zoo in the immediate to longer-term future. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank our Minister, the Hon Dr Judy Edwards, my fellow Board members, the Zoo’s management team, Zoo staff, the Docent Association and Perth Zoo supporters for their hard work and invaluable support. John Howell, President ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2002 3 Zoological Gardens Board The Zoological Gardens Board is constituted under the authority of the Zoological Gardens Act 1972. The Zoological Gardens Act states that the Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor. Members may be appointed for any term not exceeding three years and are eligible for reappointment. The function of the Board, as outlined in Section 8 of the Act, is to manage, maintain and control the zoological gardens. The Board follows good ethical practice by carrying out its responsibilities in line with an approved